Which term refers to the DNA and protein complex that makes up chromosomes?

Which term refers to the DNA and protein complex that makes up chromosomes?

• A. Chromatin
• B. Chromosomes
• C. Genes
• D. Nucleolus

Answer: (A)

Chromatin is the material that chromosomes are made of. In the nucleus, DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, and those nucleosomes coil and fold into higher‑order fibers. This DNA–protein complex is what constitutes chromosomes; during cell division, chromatin condenses further to become the visible chromosomes. Genes are specific sequences within DNA that code for proteins, not the packaging itself. The nucleolus is a region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is produced, not the DNA–protein complex that forms chromosomes.

Chromatin is the material that chromosomes are made of. In the nucleus, DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, and those nucleosomes coil and fold into higher‑order fibers. This DNA–protein complex is what constitutes chromosomes; during cell division, chromatin condenses further to become the visible chromosomes. Genes are specific sequences within DNA that code for proteins, not the packaging itself. The nucleolus is a region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is produced, not the DNA–protein complex that forms chromosomes.