Figure showing packaging of DNA Helix. Observe the figure and answer the following questions.
The region in prokaryotic cell whose DNA is organised in large loops held by proteins is called:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nucleoid
Option (4) Nucleoid — Correct. A prokaryote such as E. coli has no defined nucleus, so its DNA region is not a nucleus. NCERT calls this region, where the negatively charged DNA is held by positively charged proteins, the nucleoid.
NCERT Extract:
Packaging of DNA Helix – “… In prokaryotes, such as, E. coli, though they do not have a defined nucleus, the DNA is not scattered throughout the cell. DNA (being negatively charged) is held with some proteins (that have positive charges) in a region termed as ‘nucleoid’. The DNA in nucleoid is organised in large loops held by proteins.”