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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging01:32

Chromatin Packaging

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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...
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Chromatin Packaging02:21

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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...
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Forces Acting on Chromosomes02:11

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During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis. 
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Attachment of Sister Chromatids02:57

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As cells progress into mitosis, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the condensed chromosomes are exposed to the array of bipolar microtubules of the mitotic spindle. The kinetochore, a large, disc-shaped protein complex, is present at the centromere region of the sister chromatids and acts as a binding site for the microtubules.  Usually, the plus-end of a single microtubule is embedded within the kinetochore. However, some kinetochores first establish lateral contact with the side-wall...
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Chromosome Structure02:40

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A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
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Author Spotlight: Getting an A with the 3Cs: Chromosome Conformation Capture for Undergraduates
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Chromosome congression explained by nanoscale electrostatics.

L John Gagliardi, Daniel H Shain1

  • 1Department of Biology, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08102, USA. dshain@camden.rutgers.edu.

Theoretical Biology & Medical Modelling
|February 26, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Electrostatic forces drive chromosome movement during cell division. Like charges on chromosomes and microtubule plus ends cause antipoleward motion, while disassembly forces create poleward motion.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Kinetochore-microtubule interactions are crucial for chromosome segregation.
  • Nanoscale electrostatic forces at kinetochores and microtubule plus ends are hypothesized to influence chromosome dynamics.

Discussion:

  • This study proposes a model where antipoleward microtubule assembly forces and poleward microtubule disassembly forces, both electrostatic in nature, govern chromosome congression.
  • The model integrates chromosome congression, post-attachment prometaphase motions, and metaphase oscillations under a unified electrostatic framework.

Key Insights:

  • Chromosome congression is driven by antipoleward electrostatic forces between negatively charged microtubule plus ends and like-charged chromosome arms.
  • Poleward chromosome motion is facilitated by nanoscale electrostatic microtubule disassembly forces between kinetochores and microtubule plus ends.
  • This electrostatic model consistently explains various chromosome movements during mitosis.

Outlook:

  • Further experimental validation of these proposed electrostatic forces is warranted.
  • Investigating the precise molecular charge distributions involved could refine the model.
  • This framework may offer new insights into chromosome segregation errors and related diseases.