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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
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 2, 2026

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates
09:13

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates

Published on: May 12, 2023

Chromatin: constructing the big picture.

Bas van Steensel1

  • 1Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.v.steensel@nki.nl

The EMBO Journal
|April 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Chromatin organization, despite its complexity, follows simple principles governing its spatial architecture. This review explores these principles and the binding patterns of chromatin proteins across the genome.

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An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
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An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

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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 2, 2026

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates
09:13

Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates

Published on: May 12, 2023

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
10:41

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

Published on: April 5, 2018

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
  • Genomics
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Chromatin, composed of genomic DNA and proteins, forms the structural basis of chromosomes.
  • Understanding chromatin organization is crucial for deciphering gene regulation and cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental principles governing the spatial architecture of chromatin.
  • To discuss genome-wide binding patterns of chromatin proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of genome-wide mapping techniques.
  • Analysis of existing data on chromatin organization and protein binding.

Main Results:

  • Chromatin architecture, though complex, is driven by discernible organizing principles.
  • Genome-wide binding patterns of chromatin proteins reveal non-random distribution.

Conclusions:

  • Simple principles underlie complex chromatin spatial organization.
  • Understanding these principles is key to interpreting genome-wide protein binding data.