dna packaging
TRANSCRIPT
Packaging of DNA double helix
Human genome (in diploid cells) = 6 x 109 bp
6 x 109 bp X 0.34 nm/bp = 2.04 x 109 nm = 2 m/cell
Diameter of nucleus = 5-10 mm
Arrangement of DNA in a eukaryotic chromosomes
• In eukaryotes, the DNA is arranged around a set of positively charged basic proteins
called histones .
• Histones are organized to form a unit of eight molecules called, histone octamer.
• The negatively charged DNA is wrapped around the positively charged histone octamerto form a structure called nucleosome.
A typical nucleosome contains 200 –bp of DNA helix.
• Nucleosomes constitute the repeating unit of structure in nucleus called chromatin.
• The nucleosomes in chromatin are seen as ‘beads on strings’ structure under
electron microscope.
NHC Proteins
• The packaging of chromatin at higher level requires additional set of proteins called Non histone chromosomal proteins(NHC proteins)
Prokaryotic cells lack a nuclear membrane and defined nucleus, even though DNA
is not scattered throughout the cell.
• DNA, being negatively charged is held with some proteins having positive charges in a region termed as nucleoid.
• The DNA in nucleoid is organized in large loops held by proteins.
Euchromatin and heterochromatin
Euchromatin
In a typical nucleus, some regions of chromatin are loosely packed and lightly stained known as euchromatin. This region contains active chromatin.
Heterochromatin
The chromatin that is more densely packed and stains dark are called heterochromatin. This region contains inactive chromatin.