Final answer:
The false statement about eukaryotic chromosomes is that chromosomes only appear as a cell is about to divide; they are actually present throughout the cell's life cycle in the form of chromatin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which statement about eukaryotic chromosomes is false. The correct answer is that the statement (b) "Chromosomes only appear as a cell is about to divide" is false. While it is true that chromosomes become more visible and are distinguishable during the cell division process, they are present throughout the cell's life cycle in the form of chromatin, a less condensed stage of chromosomes. It's also correct that eukaryotic cells possess one or more chromosomes and that chromosomes can be present even when cells are not actively synthesizing proteins, as the DNA within chromosomes holds the instructions for protein synthesis but is not always being read and translated into proteins.
Chromosomes are structures within the nucleus that are made up of DNA, the hereditary material. In eukaryotes, chromosomes are linear structures. Every eukaryotic species has a specific number of chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. Chromosomes are only visible during cell division, but they are present throughout a cell's reproductive cycle and even when cells are not actively synthesizing proteins. Therefore, the false statement in respect to eukaryotic chromosomes is b) Chromosomes only appear as a cell is about to divide.