Final answer:
Puffs in polytene chromosomes are associated with transcription. These puffs represent areas of loosened chromatin where the DNA is accessible for gene expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puffs in polytene chromosomes are associated with: D) Transcription. In polytene chromosomes, puffs are regions that are actively being transcribed. These puffs represent areas of loosened chromatin where the DNA is accessible for gene expression. When a gene is being transcribed, the DNA in that region becomes unpacked and enables the transcription machinery to access the genes and produce RNA molecules.