Question

A eukaryotic gene is most likely to be transcribed if it is located where?

(a) in a region of the genome in which the histones are deacetylated
(b) in a heterochromatic region of the genome
(c) in the telomeric region of a chromosome
(d) in a euchromatic region of the genome

Answer 1

A eukaryotic gene is most likely to be transcribed in the euchromatic region of the genome due to its less tightly packed DNA, which allows easier access for transcription factors and RNA polymerase.

Step-by-step explanation:

A eukaryotic gene is most likely to be transcribed if it is located in a euchromatic region of the genome. This is because euchromatin consists of DNA that is less tightly packed around nucleosomes, allowing transcription factors and RNA polymerase to access and transcribe the DNA.

In contrast, heterochromatin is more tightly packed and typically contains genes that are not expressed. The addition of acetyl groups to histones (histone acetylation) can lead to a more open chromatin structure conducive to transcription.

Consequently, regions where histones are deacetylated, heterochromatic regions, and the telomeric regions of chromosomes are usually associated with lower levels of gene expression due to less accessibility for the transcription machinery.