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Related Concept Videos

Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
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...
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 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.
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...
Euchromatin01:01

Euchromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions take up more dye, appearing darker, while the less-compact areas take up less dye and appear lighter. Based on the compaction level, chromatins are classified into two primary forms – euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
09:52

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Published on: January 31, 2019

Chromatin higher-order structure and dynamics.

Christopher L Woodcock1, Rajarshi P Ghosh

  • 1Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA. chris@bio.umass.edu

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The nucleus compacts meters of DNA using nucleosomes and higher-order structures. Recent advances show that structural plasticity and chromatin dynamics are key to genome organization.

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Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique
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Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique

Published on: March 9, 2022

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C
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Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Published on: October 14, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
09:52

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Published on: January 31, 2019

Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique
06:32

Deciphering Molecular Mechanism of Histone Assembly by DNA Curtain Technique

Published on: March 9, 2022

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C
09:32

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Published on: October 14, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The nucleus houses vast amounts of DNA, requiring extensive compaction for storage and function.
  • Nucleosomes are the primary level of DNA compaction, but insufficient for complete genome organization.
  • Higher-order chromatin structures are essential for fitting the genome into the nucleus, but their nature remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent experimental findings on higher-order chromatin structures.
  • To highlight the role of structural plasticity and chromatin dynamics in genome organization.
  • To discuss novel approaches and future research directions in chromatin organization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent experimental advances in chromatin structure analysis.
  • Analysis of emerging evidence on genome organization principles.
  • Discussion of novel methodologies for studying chromatin dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence suggests structural plasticity and chromatin dynamics are crucial for genome organization.
  • Higher-order chromatin structures are actively shaped by dynamic processes.
  • Novel experimental approaches are providing deeper insights into these dynamic organizations.

Conclusions:

  • Genome organization relies heavily on dynamic chromatin structures beyond simple nucleosome packing.
  • Understanding chromatin plasticity is key to comprehending nuclear information storage and function.
  • Future research should focus on dynamic and plastic mechanisms governing genome organization.