Video Transcript
Where within a eukaryotic cell is
chromatin contained? (A) The nucleolus, (B) the
ribosome, (C) the nucleoplasm, or (D) the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Chromatin is a structure that is
formed when DNA is compacted to form a chromosome. DNA wraps around proteins called
histones and coils up, forming a chromatin fiber. This fiber then further compacts
into a chromosome, which has been shown in this replicated form just before cell
division in this diagram.
So, where in a eukaryotic cell,
like the one shown here on the right of the screen, is chromatin located? Let′s discuss the different answer
options and eliminate those that are incorrect. In eukaryotic cells, chromosomes
are located inside the nucleus. The ribosome and the rough
endoplasmic reticulum are both organelles located outside of the nucleus, within the
cytoplasm of the cell. So we can eliminate answers (B) and
(D).
Now, let′s discuss answer (A). The nucleolus is a dense portion of
the nucleus where ribosomes are formed. Although it is located in the
nucleus and there is DNA and RNA in the nucleolus, it is not where chromatin is
located. So we can eliminate answer option
(A).
The nucleoplasm is the liquid
portion of the nucleus. This is where the chromosomes,
which contain chromatin, are located. This means that the place within a
eukaryotic cell that contains chromatin, and the correct answer to this question, is
(C): the nucleoplasm.
