Question

In a non-dividing cell, DNA is present as a mass of thread-like structures known as _______ .

• A. ribosomes
• B. chromatin
• C. cytoplasm
• D. chromosome

Answer 1

The correct option is (B):

Explanation of the correct option:

1. In a cell which is not dividing, DNA is present as part of chromatin fibres/material.
   
2. These are called chromatin because they get coloured when they are stained.
   
3. This chromatin material is visible as an entangled mass of thread-like structures.
   
4. Whenever the cell is about to divide, the chromatin material gets condensed and organised into chromosomes.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option (A):

1. Ribosome is the organelle that helps with protein synthesis in the cell.
   
2. It is present as two subunits with a larger and a smaller subunit. ​

Option (C):

1. The thick fluid substance in which all the cell organelles are present and where the biochemical processes take place is called cytoplasm. ​

Option (D):

1. ​The chromosome is the condensed form of chromatin that only forms in the dividing cells.
   

Final Answer: In a non-dividing cell, DNA is present as a mass of thread-like structures known as chromatin .