Question

The genetic material within cells is called __________ and is organized into structures called __________.

Answer 1

Answer:

DNA, CHROMOSOME

Explanation:

All living cells contain a certain molecule that holds the information encoding the production of products (proteins) needed for their normal functioning. This molecule is called Deoxyribosenucleic acid (DNA). It is the stored form of genetic material in living cells. DNA is made up of long polynucleotide chains and contains segments called GENES, that encode information on how to make certain gene products.

However, due to the long nature of the genetic material (DNA), it is very difficult to fit into the enclosed region of the cell that houses it called NUCLEUS. To get rid of this issue, the cell devises a means of containing the genetic material (DNA). They do this by binding the DNA molecule to certain proteins called HISTONES.

The DNA coils around the core of these proteins to form a NUCLEOSOME structure. This nucleosome is composed of a DNA molecule wrapped around eight set of histone proteins called OCTAMER. The nucleosome undergoes further coiling to produce CHROMATIN. These Chromatin material then further coils and condenses to form the CHROMOSOME. Cells pass on their genetic material (DNA) in form of chromosomes.