Apoptosis and Its Significance · NCERT Biology

Which of the following best describes 'DNA laddering' observed in apoptotic cells?

  1. Random breakage of DNA by mechanical or osmotic stress
  2. Cleavage of DNA into 180-200 bp internucleosomal multiples
  3. Unwinding of the double helix into single-stranded regions
  4. Formation of circular, plasmid-like extrachromosomal DNA
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Cleavage of DNA into 180-200 bp internucleosomal multiples

Activated endonucleases cleave the DNA at internucleosomal linker regions during apoptosis. This results in DNA fragments that are multiples of the nucleosome length, appearing as a characteristic 'ladder' on an electrophoresis gel.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 20

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