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Related Concept Videos

Condensins02:15

Condensins

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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...
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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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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.
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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? 
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 6, 2026

A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis
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Chromosome condensation: weaving an untangled web.

Rahul Thadani1, Frank Uhlmann1

  • 1The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratory, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, UK.

Current Biology : CB
|August 5, 2015
PubMed
Summary

The vertebrate condensin complex is essential for organizing DNA into stable mitotic chromosomes, ensuring accurate segregation of genetic material to daughter cells during cell division.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell division requires the precise segregation of replicated DNA.
  • Chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins, must be compacted into organized structures called mitotic chromosomes.
  • The condensin complex plays a known role in chromosome structure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the essential contribution of the vertebrate condensin complex to chromosome organization.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which condensin facilitates mitotic chromosome compaction.
  • To investigate condensin's role in DNA segregation during cell division.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo studies using cellular models.
  • In vitro biochemical assays.

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  • Advanced microscopy and genetic manipulation techniques.

    • Main Results:

    • The vertebrate condensin complex is indispensable for the proper compaction of interphase chromatin into mitotic chromosomes.
    • Condensin directly facilitates the structural organization required for stable chromosome formation.
    • These findings were consistent across both in vivo and in vitro experimental systems.

    Conclusions:

    • The condensin complex is a key regulator of chromosome organization and compaction.
    • Accurate chromosome segregation relies on the function of the condensin complex.
    • Further research into condensin's mechanisms can inform our understanding of cell division and related disorders.