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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging02:21

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter? 
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
Chromatin Packaging01:32

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...
The Nucleosome01:19

The Nucleosome

Human DNA is almost two meters long. However, it is compressed inside a tiny nucleus measuring only a few microns in diameter. To make this degree of compaction possible, DNA is organized into several sequential levels so that it can fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
In a chromosome, DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called a histone octamer core, which consists of 8 histone proteins. This...
The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...
The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...
Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes00:58

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

RNA-Associated Chromatin DNA-DNA Interaction Method
11:01

RNA-Associated Chromatin DNA-DNA Interaction Method

Published on: April 30, 2026

Long-range DNA contacts: romance in the nucleus?

Wouter de Laat1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. w.delaat@erasmusmc.nl

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|May 1, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Genes can physically interact in the nucleus, even if located far apart. This interaction at transcription factories may coordinate gene expression, a concept explored using advanced DNA interaction technologies.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Genes physically distant on chromosomes can aggregate in the nuclear space.
  • Functional gene relationships may be mediated by physical proximity during transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the generality of gene interactions at transcription factories.
  • To explore the role of nuclear architecture in coordinating gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing novel high-throughput methods.
  • Employing 4C (Chromosome Conformation Capture carbon copy) technology for unbiased DNA interaction studies.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that genes can physically cluster in the nucleus.

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Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy
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Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy

Published on: November 11, 2025

Associated Chromosome Trap for Identifying Long-range DNA Interactions
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Associated Chromosome Trap for Identifying Long-range DNA Interactions

Published on: April 23, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

RNA-Associated Chromatin DNA-DNA Interaction Method
11:01

RNA-Associated Chromatin DNA-DNA Interaction Method

Published on: April 30, 2026

Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy
10:57

Mapping Absolute DNA Density in Cell Nuclei using Single-molecule Localization Microscopy

Published on: November 11, 2025

Associated Chromosome Trap for Identifying Long-range DNA Interactions
14:49

Associated Chromosome Trap for Identifying Long-range DNA Interactions

Published on: April 23, 2011

  • Provided evidence supporting the hypothesis of gene 'kissing' at transcription factories.

    • Conclusions:

    • Nuclear architecture plays a crucial role in coordinating gene expression.
    • High-throughput methods like 4C are essential for understanding large-scale genome organization.