1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Cell Division

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Cell Division

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Problem 3.12aErin C. Amerman - 2nd Edition

Textbook Question

Our somatic cells' DNA is distributed among 46_________ in the nucleus.

a. nucleosomes
b. chromatids
c. nucleoli
d. chromosomes

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that somatic cells are any cells forming the body of an organism, excluding germ cells.

Recognize that DNA in somatic cells is organized into structures within the nucleus.

Recall that nucleosomes are units of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, not the larger structures that contain DNA.

Identify that chromatids are one half of two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, not the structure that DNA is distributed among in its entirety.

Conclude that chromosomes are the structures within the nucleus that contain DNA, and in humans, there are 46 chromosomes in somatic cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromosomes

Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that contain genetic information. In humans, somatic cells typically have 46 chromosomes, organized in 23 pairs. Each chromosome carries genes that dictate various traits and functions within the organism.

Nucleosomes

Nucleosomes are the fundamental units of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. They consist of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins, helping to condense the DNA into a more compact structure. While important for DNA organization, nucleosomes do not represent the complete structure of chromosomes.

Chromatids

Chromatids are the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, which are joined together at a region called the centromere. During cell division, each chromatid is pulled apart to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Chromatids are crucial in the process of mitosis and meiosis.