Question

Which of the following represent key functional roles for heterochromatin in eukaryotic cells?

a) Silencing genes
b) Preventing viral proliferation
c) Preventing movement of transposable elements
d) All of the above

Answer 1

Heterochromatin in eukaryotic cells performs key functional roles such as silencing genes, preventing movement of transposable elements, and preventing viral proliferation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Heterochromatin plays key functional roles in eukaryotic cells, including:

1. Silencing genes: Heterochromatin can silence genes by making them inaccessible to transcription factors and RNA polymerase enzymes, preventing gene expression.
2. Preventing movement of transposable elements: Heterochromatin can help keep transposable elements, also known as jumping genes, static, reducing the likelihood of genomic instability and mutations.
3. Preventing viral proliferation: Viruses can hijack the host cell's machinery for replication. Heterochromatin can help in limiting the replication of viruses by silencing viral genes and preventing their expression.

Therefore, the correct answer is d) All of the above.