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DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

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.

Chromatin Packaging

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 Packaging

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...

The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

Design space for complex DNA structures.

Bryan Wei¹, Mingjie Dai, Cameron Myhrvold

¹Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|November 22, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers explored the design space for complex DNA nanostructures using over 30 distinct motifs. This study reveals a broad range of structures with diverse geometric properties, expanding possibilities for nanoscale applications.

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Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Published on: April 26, 2013

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Published on: May 8, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 5, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA

Published on: April 26, 2013

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Published on: May 8, 2015

Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Biomaterials Science
Structural Biology

Background:

Nucleic acids, particularly DNA, are versatile building blocks for self-assembling nanoscale structures.
Current DNA nanostructure design is limited by a reliance on a few common structural motifs.
A broader design space is needed to optimize nanostructures for specific functional applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively investigate the design space of complex DNA nanostructures.
To explore the use of a diverse set of over 30 distinct single-stranded DNA tile motifs.
To understand how these motifs influence structural diversity and geometric properties.

Main Methods:

Utilized over 30 distinct single-stranded DNA tile motifs for self-assembly experiments.
Systematically studied and controlled the curvature of the assembled DNA nanostructures.
Characterized the resulting structures, focusing on strand weaving patterns and geometric features.

Main Results:

Demonstrated self-assembly of complex DNA structures utilizing a wide array of motifs.
Achieved diverse strand weaving patterns and tunable geometric properties like curvature and twist.
Successfully constructed a flat DNA nanostructure featuring a corrugated strand pattern.

Conclusions:

The study significantly broadens the known design space for complex DNA nanostructures.
The findings highlight the potential for creating novel nanoscale architectures with tailored geometric properties.
This expanded design space offers new avenues for developing functional nucleic acid-based nanomaterials.