Which statement describes a condensed chromosome?

• A. It can be seen under light microscopy and has been duplicated
• B. It is never visible under light microscopy
• C. It contains no genetic material
• D. It exists only in cytokinesis

Answer: (A)

Condensed chromosomes are highly compacted forms of DNA that become visible under light microscopy during cell division. After DNA is replicated in the S phase, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere. As cells enter mitosis, chromatin condenses into these distinct, rod- or X-shaped structures that can be seen with a light microscope. The fact that a condensed chromosome is both observable under light microscopy and has been duplicated (two sister chromatids) describes its appearance during mitosis accurately.

The other ideas don’t fit because condensed chromosomes do contain genetic material; and condensation occurs before cytokinesis, not only during it. They are visible in prophase through metaphase, not exclusively during cytokinesis.