Higher-order structure of chromatin and chromosomes

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2001 Apr;11(2):130-5. doi: 10.1016/s0959-437x(00)00169-6.

Abstract

The linear array of nucleosomes that comprises the primary structure of chromatin is folded and condensed to varying degrees in nuclei and chromosomes forming 'higher order structures'. We discuss the recent findings from novel experimental approaches that have yielded significant new information on the different hierarchical levels of chromatin folding and their functional significance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • Chromatin / classification
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure*
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Mitosis
  • Nucleosomes / chemistry
  • Nucleosomes / ultrastructure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Histones
  • Nucleosomes
  • chromosome decondensation factors