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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging02:21

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, 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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Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes00:58

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

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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.
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Lampbrush Chromosomes01:51

Lampbrush Chromosomes

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In 1882, Flemming observed lampbrush chromosomes (LBC) in salamander eggs. Later in 1892, Rückert observed LBCs in shark egg cells and coined the term "lampbrush chromosomes" because they looked like brushes used to clean kerosene lamps.
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops...
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Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

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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.
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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Chromosome Structure02:40

Chromosome Structure

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A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Imaging Replicative Domains in Ultrastructurally Preserved Chromatin by Electron Tomography
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Imaging Replicative Domains in Ultrastructurally Preserved Chromatin by Electron Tomography

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Helical chromonema coiling is conserved in eukaryotes.

Amanda Souza Câmara1, Ivona Kubalová1, Veit Schubert1

  • 1Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, D-06466, Seeland, Germany.

The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|October 16, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Chromatin condensation is essential for cell division. This study provides evidence that the coiled thread structure of large chromosomes (chromonema) is an evolutionarily conserved feature across diverse species.

Keywords:
Hordeum vulgarechromatidchromatin condensationchromonemachromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi‐C)helical chromatid structuremetaphase chromosomeoligo‐fluorescence in situ hybridization (oligo‐FISH)polymer simulationsister chromatid exchange (SCE)structured illumination microscopy (SIM)

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Chromatin condensation is crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division (mitosis and meiosis).
  • A long-standing debate exists regarding the evolutionary conservation of higher-order chromatin organization within chromosomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary conservation of higher-order chromatin organization.
  • To explore the structure of chromatids in large chromosomes across different species.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical light microscopy observations (living, fixed, treated chromosomes).
  • Integration of modern techniques including electron microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, oligo-FISH, molecular interaction data, and polymer simulations.
  • Comparative analysis across diverse plant, animal, and single-cell eukaryotic species.

Main Results:

  • Classical and modern microscopy confirm that large chromosome chromatids are formed by a coiled thread (chromonema).
  • Common and divergent features of chromonemata were identified across various species.
  • Evidence supports the chromonema as a conserved structural element.

Conclusions:

  • The coiling of chromonemata in large chromosomes is hypothesized to be an ancient, fundamental feature in eukaryotic evolution.
  • This organization likely evolved to manage increasing genome sizes.
  • The chromonema model offers a unifying explanation for chromatin organization across diverse life forms.