Prepare for the A Level Biology Exam with comprehensive quizzes and resources. Tackle challenging questions that boost your knowledge and confidence. Start your journey towards acing your exam today!

Practice this question and more.


What is chromatin?

  1. Condensed form of DNA

  2. Uncondensed DNA complexed with histones

  3. A type of RNA

  4. A form of protein synthesis

The correct answer is: Uncondensed DNA complexed with histones

Chromatin refers specifically to the uncondensed form of DNA that is complexed with histones, which are proteins that help package and regulate the DNA within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. In this state, DNA is not tightly coiled as it would be during cell division but is instead in a more relaxed, accessible form, allowing for transcription and replication processes to occur. The association of DNA with histones plays a crucial role in the structural organization of DNA and helps control gene expression, making chromatin an essential component in the regulation of genomic activity. Understanding chromatin is fundamental to grasping how genes are turned on or off and how genetic information is utilized within a cell.