Which of the following statements correctly describes the structure of chromatin?

• A. Chromatin is made up of free-floating DNA without any associated proteins.
• B. Chromatin is composed solely of RNA molecules and ribosomes.
• C. Chromatin is a double helix of RNA and protein.
• D. Chromatin consists of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which helps package DNA into a compact, dense shape.
2. Recall that the primary proteins associated with chromatin are histones, which serve as spools around which DNA winds.
3. Recognize that the fundamental unit of chromatin structure is the nucleosome, which consists of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.
4. Note that chromatin is not made up of free-floating DNA, nor is it composed solely of RNA or ribosomes, and it does not involve RNA in the double helix structure.
5. Conclude that the correct description of chromatin is DNA wrapped around histone proteins forming nucleosomes, which allows efficient DNA packaging and regulation.