Question

Polytene chromosome in Drosophila is

• A. 10 times larger than somatic chromosome
• B. 50 times larger than somatic chromosome
• C. 10 to 50 times larger than somatic chromosome
• D. About 500 times larger than somatic chromosome

Answer 1

The correct option is D About 500 times larger than somatic chromosome

• The salivary gland chromosome is also known as polytene chromosomes.
  
• These chromosomes are found during the interphase stage of the cell division in the nuclei of the salivary gland cells of the larvae of Diptera (fruitfly or Drosophila melanogaster).
• These are also known as giant chromosomes and are smaller than lampbrush chromosomes.
• The nucleus of the cells are larger than the ordinary cells and the chromosomes within the nucleus are large and are 50 to 200 times as large as chromosomes present in the other body cells or somatic cells of the organism.
  
• So, the correct answer is 'About 500 times larger than somatic chromosome.'.