51.1k views
5 votes
Nucleosomes are present in [prokaryotic/eukaryotic] chromosomes, but not in [prokaryotic/eukaryotic] chromosomes.

a. true
b. false

User Amirado
by
7.2k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Nucleosomes, which involve DNA wrapped around histone proteins, are present in eukaryotic chromosomes and contribute to the formation of chromatin. This complex DNA packaging system is absent in prokaryotic chromosomes, which utilize supercoiling instead.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nucleosomes are present in eukaryotic chromosomes but not in prokaryotic chromosomes. This statement is true. Eukaryotes have multiple, linear chromosomes that are intricately wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes which further compact to create the structure of chromatin. This level of organization is essential for the packaging of eukaryotic DNA within the nucleus. On the other hand, prokaryote organisms, which have a single, circular chromosome, do not have the complex chromatin structure seen in eukaryotes. Instead, they pack their DNA by supercoiling, which is managed by an enzyme called DNA gyrase. In prokaryotes, the chromosome is found in the cytoplasm in an area called the nucleoid, and does not involve histones or nucleosomes for DNA packaging.

User Carles
by
7.7k points