Question

A nucleosome is a structure associated with the nuclear membrane. It helps maintain a stable relationship between the extracellular matrix and the membrane itself. What is the function of a nucleosome?

1) It provides structural support to the nuclear membrane.
2) It regulates the movement of molecules in and out of the nucleus.
3) It helps maintain the integrity of the nuclear DNA.
4) It is involved in the synthesis of proteins.

Answer 1

The correct function of a nucleosome is to help maintain the integrity of the nuclear DNA by organizing and packing DNA within the cell nucleus. (Option 3)

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of a nucleosome is not directly associated with the nuclear envelope or the extracellular matrix as suggested in the mislead of the question. Instead, a nucleosome is a unit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins. This structure plays a critical role in the organization and packing of DNA within the nucleus of the cell.

A nucleosome controls the access of proteins to specific DNA regions, thus helping to regulate gene expression. When DNA is wrapped around histones to form nucleosomes, which are visible as beads on a string under an electron microscope, it can effectively compact long DNA strands into the small space of the cell nucleus. During cell division, these nucleosomes ensure the DNA can be tightly packed into chromosomes and faithfully transmitted to daughter cells. Consequently, among the provided options, the correct function of a nucleosome is 3) It helps maintain the integrity of the nuclear DNA.