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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.

The Nucleosome

The Nucleosome

Human DNA is almost two meters long. However, it is compressed inside a tiny nucleus measuring only a few microns in diameter. To make this degree of compaction possible, DNA is organized into several sequential levels so that it can fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
In a chromosome, DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called a histone octamer core, which consists of 8 histone proteins. This...

The Nucleosome

The Nucleosome

DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

Hierarchical core-shell DNA condensates enable programmable information storage and encryption.

Likang Chu^1,2, Liqi Wan¹, Haixia Wang¹

¹The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Nature Communications

|December 9, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a DNA-based platform for secure data storage and encryption, enabling programmable information operations and advanced encryption methods for scalable, editable molecular data systems.

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Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Computing
Data Security

Background:

DNA offers high potential for data storage and encryption due to its programmability and energy efficiency.
Current limitations include the need for robust systems for data encoding, molecular operations, and reliable encryption.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a molecular information storage and encryption platform.
To enable programmable data operations and advanced encryption capabilities using DNA.

Main Methods:

Integration of hierarchical core-shell DNA condensates with biomolecular computing networks.
Development of programmable circuits for DNA-based data manipulation and encryption.

Main Results:

Demonstrated programmable execution of information encoding, erasure, rewriting, replication, and repair.
Achieved advanced encryption capabilities including multi-level logic, dynamic, and living system-driven encryption with fine-grained access control.

Conclusions:

The developed platform advances molecular information storage and encryption.
The system offers significant advantages in dynamic editability and scalability for secure data solutions.