Understanding Polytene Chromosomes and Their Preparation

What is the process called when chromosomes undergo repeated DNA replication without cell division?

• Mitosis

• Endomitosis

• Meiosis

• Cytokinesis

Which type of bands in polytene chromosomes contain more DNA?

• Dark bands

• Light bands

• Chromomeres

• Puffs

What are the swellings called that form on polytene chromosomes during genetic activity?

• Chromomeres

• Puffs

• Balbiani rings

• Nucleoli

Where are polytene chromosomes commonly found?

• In the muscle tissues of birds

• In the brain cells of mammals

• In the salivary glands of some fly larvae

• In the leaves of plants

Which stain is used in the experiment to prepare slides of polytene chromosomes?

• Eosin

• Hematoxylin

• Safranin

• Acetylcarmine

What is the natural habitat of Chironomus larvae?

• Flowing rivers

• Stagnant pools of water

• Desert sands

• Mountain tops

What is the color of Chironomus larvae, and why?

• Red, due to hemoglobin

• Yellow, due to carotene

• Green, due to chlorophyll

• Blue, due to copper

What is the first step in preparing the slide for microscopic observation?

• Adding immersion oil

• Using a magnifying lens

• Staining with acetylcarmine

• Placing the larva on a glass slide

What is the purpose of tapping the coverslip with the blunt end of a forcep?

• To fix the coverslip in place

• To remove air bubbles

• To enhance the color contrast

• To spread the stain evenly

Under which magnification should the slide be initially scanned to locate salivary gland cells?

• 100x

• 40x

• 10x

• 4x