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Condensins

Condensins

Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...

Condensins

Condensins

Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...

Chromosome Structure

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...

Chromosome Structure

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...

Cohesins

Cohesins

Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...

Cohesins

Cohesins

Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

In-Nucleus Hi-C in Drosophila Cells

In-Nucleus Hi-C in Drosophila Cells

Published on: September 15, 2021

Condensin structures chromosomal DNA through topological links.

Sara Cuylen¹, Jutta Metz, Christian H Haering

¹European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology & Biophysics Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

|July 19, 2011

Summary

Condensin complexes form ring-like structures that encircle DNA, crucial for chromosome segregation. Opening these rings disrupts chromosome partitioning, highlighting their role in structural rigidity.

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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

In-Nucleus Hi-C in Drosophila Cells

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Genetics

Background:

The condensin complex is vital for eukaryotic chromosome organization and segregation during cell division.
The precise mechanism by which condensin binds to and structures chromosomes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate how the condensin complex associates with and organizes chromosomal DNA.
To investigate the structural requirements for condensin-chromosome interactions.

Main Methods:

Isolation of circular minichromosomes linked to condensin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Experimental manipulation including DNA linearization and proteolytic ring opening of condensin.

Main Results:

Condensin association with minichromosomes is abolished by DNA linearization or opening of the condensin ring structure.
Release of condensin from chromosomes during cell division impairs the segregation of chromosome arms.
Evidence suggests condensin rings encircle chromosomal DNA.

Conclusions:

Condensin likely encircles chromosomal DNA via its ring-like structure.
These topological links are essential for providing chromatid arms with the rigidity needed for proper segregation by the mitotic spindle.