MCAT Biochemistry Question 89: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 89

14. Which of the following is NOT a difference between heterochromatin and euchromatin?

  • A. Euchromatin has areas that can be transcribed, whereas heterochromatin is silent.
  • B. Heterochromatin is tightly packed, whereas euchromatin is less dense.
  • C. Heterochromatin stains darkly, whereas euchromatin stains lightly.
  • D. Heterochromatin is found in the nucleus, whereas euchromatin is in the cytoplasm.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Euchromatin has a classic “beads on a string” appearance that stains lightly, while heterochromatin is tightly packed and stains darkly. Heterochromatin is primarily composed of inactive genes or untranslated regions, while euchromatin is able to be expressed. All chromatin is found in the nucleus, not the cytoplasm.

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