WHY does DNA coil up to form chromosomes?

The cell can't grow if the DNA is not coiled up into chromosomes

It's easier to move the DNA around and into new cells when it's packaged up into chromosomes

DNA needs to be coiled up into chromosomes in order for the genes to work

1 answer

DNA coils up to form chromosomes primarily for a couple of key reasons, but among the options you provided, the most accurate reason would be:

It's easier to move the DNA around and into new cells when it's packaged up into chromosomes.

Here’s a bit more detail on why this is important:

  1. Compactness: DNA is very long and would be difficult to manage if it remained in a long, uncoiled state. Coiling it into chromosomes allows the cell to pack DNA efficiently within the nucleus.

  2. Cell Division: During cell division (mitosis and meiosis), the chromosomes need to be highly organized and compact to ensure that the genetic material is accurately and efficiently divided between daughter cells. If DNA were not coiled into chromosomes, it would be more prone to damage and missegregation during cell division.

  3. Gene Regulation: Proper coiling can influence gene expression and regulation. The structure of DNA (including how tightly it is coiled) can affect access to the genetic information encoded in the DNA.

While the other options mention aspects that relate to DNA and chromosomes, they are not as accurate or comprehensive as the one related to the ease of movement and organization for the processes like cell division.