Question Video: Identifying the Nucleus on a Diagram of an Animal Cell Science • Third Year of Preparatory School

Video Transcript

The diagram shows a simple animal cell, with some key structures magnified. Which letter marks the nucleus?

Let’s discuss what each of these magnification show. Magnification Z represents a section of the DNA double helix. Numerous long strands must fit inside the nucleus. In order to achieve this, the DNA wraps around specialized proteins called histones. It then coils into a structure called chromatin. Chromatin then compacts further to form a chromosome. This is represented by Y in our diagram. The chromosomes are located within the nucleus. This is the structure indicated by X. Therefore, the letter which marks the nucleus is X.