Question

help pleaseee...........................4. Why does a cell package its DNA into a chromosome during cell division?

Answer 1

somebody please help

Answer 2

answers.com says


the DNA strand is very long. So the fit it all into a cell, the strand is wrapped around a protein and into the chromosome.

i'm not entirely sure how DNA turns into a chromosome, buti do know for sure that it is just to save space.

Answer 3

@heavenmorris1234

Answer 4

Or this from yahoo answers (probably a better explanation):

During meiosis or mitosis, your cells need to be able to organize their genetic material so that it can be sorted easily into the cell progeny. By condensing DNA into chromosomes, cells can align each chromosome (or during meiosis, each tetrad), along the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers can then pull apart sister chromatids (in Mitosis) or homologous chromosomes (Meiosis I). This avoids one cell getting two copies of the same gene and having the other cell be deficient in that gene. Sometimes, this process can go awry, and the result is either an extreme abnormality (e.g. Downs Syndrome), or it is lethal.

When the DNA condenses into chromosomes, this is called heterochromatin. Because heterochromatin is so condense, no proteins are being build since the DNA is essentially non-accessible. DNA unwinds into euchromatin during interphase where growth and normal cell functioning occur (as well as preparation for future divisions).