Question

Why is it necessary for the genetic material in a cell to exist in chromatin form during normal cellular activity, and not in chromosome form?

Chromatin prevents genetic material from being broken off during replication.

It requires more surface area in the cell to have the cells condense.

Condensing into chromosome form requires more energy than the cell has to exert.

Chromatin form allows the genetic code to be read and proteins to be made.

Answer 1

For replication, the DNA must be tightly packed in chromosome form for division to be able to segregate DNA properly. During division, minimal transcription is being performed so it is okay, but the DNA is not accessible for proteins to be made in this form. Chromatin form is loosely packed and allows for accessibility for the transcription machinery and subsequent protein production. The answer is "Chromatin form allows the genetic code to be read and proteins to be made."