Chromatin is essentially composed of

Options

A. DNA only
B. DNA and histones
C. RNA only
D. RNA and ribosomes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Chromatin**: Chromatin is a complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in packaging DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell nucleus and protect the DNA structure and sequence.

2. **Components of Chromatin**: The primary components of chromatin are:
- **DNA**: The genetic material that carries the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.
- **Histone Proteins**: These are the proteins around which DNA is tightly coiled. They help in organizing the DNA and regulating gene expression.

3. **Structure of Chromatin**: In chromatin, DNA is wrapped around histone proteins. Typically, a unit of chromatin consists of a segment of DNA wound around a core of eight histone proteins, known as an octamer. This structure allows for efficient packaging of DNA.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, chromatin is essentially composed of DNA and histone proteins.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is that chromatin is composed of **DNA and histone proteins**.

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