Chapter 17, Problem 9RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

Definition of the following terminologies:

1. Histones

2. Heterochromatin

3. Euchromatin

4. Intergenic sequences

5. Tandem repeats

Introduction:

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) needs to be packaged within the cellular regions. This packaging requires that the DNA should be condensed into minute structural forms that can be contained in the cell. This compaction is essentially brought by histone proteins. The extent of DNA condensation determines the euchromatin or heterochromatin nature of the DNA. Moreover, the genome of many organisms is predominantly composed of intergenic sequences and tandem repeats.