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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.
DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
DNA Packaging00:58

DNA Packaging

Overview
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 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

Chromatin: packaging without nucleosomes.

Paul B Talbert1, Steven Henikoff

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|December 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dinoflagellates possess unique nuclei lacking histones. A new study reveals that acquiring a novel chromatin protein was an early evolutionary step toward this histone-less nuclear structure.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

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Published on: March 9, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Dinoflagellates are unique eukaryotes with distinctive nuclear structures called dinokaryons.
  • Unlike most eukaryotes, dinokaryon nuclei lack bulk histones and organized nucleosomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early molecular events driving the evolution of the dinoflagellate nucleus.
  • To identify key proteins involved in the transition to a histone-less chromatin structure.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis.
  • Bioinformatic identification of novel chromatin-associated proteins in dinoflagellates.
  • Expression analysis and localization studies of candidate proteins.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a novel, highly conserved dinoflagellate-specific chromatin protein.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests early acquisition of this protein during dinoflagellate evolution.
  • Localization studies indicate the protein associates with the dinoflagellate genome within the nucleus.

Conclusions:

  • The acquisition of a novel chromatin protein was a critical early event in the evolutionary trajectory towards the unique dinoflagellate nucleus.
  • This protein likely plays a role in organizing chromatin in the absence of canonical nucleosomes.