Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 29: Problem 20

Chromatin decompaction is a preliminary step in gene expression (Figure \(29.46) .\) How is chromatin decompacted?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Chromatin decompaction is achieved through the addition of acetyl groups, phosphate groups, or methyl groups to the histone proteins by enzymes like Histone Acetyltransferase, loosening the tightly bound DNA and histone proteins, transforming the structure from heterochromatin to a more relaxed euchromatin, thus allowing for gene transcription.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding what Chromatin is

Chromatin is the material that makes up chromosomes. It consists of DNA coiled around histone proteins. Chromatin exists in two forms, heterochromatin which is densely packed and transcriptionally inactive and euchromatin which is loosely packed and transcriptionally active.
02

Recognizing Chromatin Decompaction

Chromatin Decompaction refers to the relaxing or uncoiling of the chromatin structure. It is the process where the densely packed heterochromatin transforms into the more accessible euchromatin. This process is crucial for gene expression to occur as it allows access to DNA for transcription.
03

The Process of Decompaction

Chromatin decompaction occurs through a series of molecular processes. First, acetyl groups are added to the histone proteins by an enzyme called Histone Acetyltransferase(HAT). Acetylation reduces the positive charges on histones, which decreases their interaction with the negatively charged DNA, leading to a relaxed chromatin state. Along with acetylation, the phosphorylation of histone proteins also plays a role in chromatin relaxation. The addition of a phosphate group to histone proteins further reduces histone-DNA interactions, leading to chromatin loosening. Other processes like methylation and ubiquitination also aid chromatin decompaction.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the sequence of events involved in the initiation of transcription by \(E\). coli RNA polymerase. Include in your description those features a gene must have for proper recognition and transcription by RNA polymerase.

DNA-binding proteins may recognize specific DNA regions either by reading the base sequence or by "indirect readout." How do these two modes of protein:DNA recognition differ?

What might be the advantages of capping, methylation, and polyadenylylation of eukaryotic mRNAs?

Draw the structures that comprise the lariat branch point formed during mRNA splicing: the invariant A, its \(5^{\prime}\) - \(\mathrm{R}\) neighbor, its \(3^{\prime}-\mathrm{Y}\) neighbor, and its \(2^{\prime}\) - \(G\) neighbor.

(Integrates with Chapter 11 .) The SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex peels about 50 bp from the nucleosome. Assuming B-form DNA, how long is this DNA segment? In forming nucleosomes, DNA is wrapped in turns about the histone core octamer. What fraction of a DNA turn around the core octamer does 50 bp of DNA comprise? How does 50 bp of DNA compare to the typical size of eukaryotic promoter modules and response elements?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free