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Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

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.

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

The Nucleosome

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 Nucleosome

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 Nucleosome

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...

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Updated: May 25, 2026

Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

Condensed genome structure.

Lindsay W Black¹, Julie A Thomas

¹Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201-1503, USA. lblack@umaryland.edu

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|February 3, 2012

Summary

Bacteriophage DNA packaging achieves high density within icosahedral capsids, but internal structures vary significantly. This suggests a flexible genome organization adaptable to different phage architectures.

Area of Science:

Structural biology
Molecular biology
Virology

Background:

Large, tailed double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophages package their genomes at high densities (approx. 500 mg/ml).
DNA is organized into dense shells within icosahedral capsids, but inner capsid structures exhibit significant diversity.
This diversity includes naked DNA, dispersed proteins, localized proteins, or substantial DNA-free internal protein structures.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structural diversity of condensed DNA and internal protein organization within bacteriophage capsids.
To understand the implications of varying internal structures on genome packaging and phage biology.

Main Methods:

Analysis of existing literature and structural data on bacteriophage packaging.

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Comparative analysis of different bacteriophage inner capsid structures.

Consideration of the role of ATPase motors in DNA translocation and condensation.

Main Results:

Bacteriophages exhibit at least four distinct types of inner capsid structures.
DNA is translocated and condensed by a high-force ATPase motor into procapsids.
The condensed genome structure is not precisely determined and can adapt to capsid size and internal organization.
A single, universal condensed genome structure is unlikely across all such phages.

Conclusions:

The internal organization of bacteriophage genomes is highly adaptable and diverse.
Genome packaging mechanisms accommodate variations in capsid structure without compromising function.
Understanding these diverse structures is crucial for comprehending phage assembly and infection processes.