When a cell prepares to divide:
A) the DNA is loosely coiled into chromatin and is visible when viewed with a microscope
B) the nucleoli appear and become larger
C) the DNA is tightly coiled into structures called ribosomes
D) the chromosomes become tightly coiled and are visible when viewed with a microscope
E) the nuclear envelope appears

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a cell prepares to divide, the chromosomes become tightly coiled and are visible when viewed with a microscope. This is because the chromatin fibers condense and become tightly packed together to form distinct, visible chromosomes. This process is necessary to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material during cell division. The other choices are incorrect as chromatin is loosely coiled, not tightly coiled like chromosomes, nucleoli do not become larger during cell division, DNA is not coiled into structures called ribosomes (ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis), and the nuclear envelope dissolves during cell division rather than appearing.

When a Cell Prepares to Divide