What term refers to the mass of genetic material that condenses into chromosomes during cell division?

The term that refers to the mass of genetic material that condenses into chromosomes during cell division is chromatin. Chromatin is composed of DNA and proteins and is found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. During the cell cycle, particularly in the prophase stage of mitosis, chromatin undergoes a process of condensation to form distinct chromosomes. This condensation is crucial for ensuring that the genetic material is accurately distributed to the daughter cells during cell division.

In contrast, nucleoplasm is the viscous fluid within the nucleus that surrounds the chromatin but does not itself condense into chromosomes. Cytoplasm refers to the cellular material outside of the nucleus and is not directly involved in the organization of genetic material during cell division. The cell membrane is the outer boundary of the cell, providing structure and regulating the movement of substances in and out, but it is not involved in the genetic material's structure or function. Thus, chromatin is the correct term to describe the genetic material that condenses into chromosomes during cell division.