Flow linear dichroism supports an accordion model for the salt-induced condensation of chromatin
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M Kubista1, P E Nielsen, B Nordén
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract:
The salt-induced condensation of chromatin has been studied with flow-linear dichroism technique using an intercalative dye (methylene blue) to selectively monitor the linker orientation. At low ionic strength both linkers and chromatosomes (with their flat faces) are oriented preferentially parallel to the chromatin fibre axis. With increasing ionic strength both linkers and chromatosomes tilt successively towards a perpendicular orientation. Based on these results and structural considerations, an 'Accordion model' with a pentagonal nucleosomal arrangement is proposed for the salt-induced condensation of chromatin.