The document discusses how DNA is packaged in eukaryotic cells. It explains that the 2 meters of DNA in human cells is packaged by winding around histone proteins to form nucleosomes. Nucleosomes are the basic unit that further compact the DNA into chromatin. Chromatin is made up of DNA, proteins, and RNA. During interphase, DNA exists as loosely or tightly packed chromatin. When cells prepare to divide, the chromatin condenses further into chromosomes that are passed from parent cells to daughter cells.
2. Human body cells each
contain about 2 meters of
DNA.
• If all the DNA in a person was stretched out it
would reach to the sun and back more than
• 300 times!
8. The DNA nucleosome
Basic unit of DNA packaging in
eukaryotes, consisting of a segment of
DNA wound in sequence around histone
protein cores.
9. • Histone proteins = small
positively charged
proteins that compact
DNA into the space of
the eukaryotic nucleus
10. Chromatin
• Chromatin = complex of
DNA, proteins, and RNA
with nucleosomes as
the basic structural &
functional unit.
• In eukaryotic cells, DNA
is found in the form of
chromatin during
Interphase (living,
functional phase)
11. • Euchromatin = loosely
packed, “active” DNA
segments
• Heterochromatin = tightly
packed, inactive regions
of DNA
• Non-histone proteins =
other proteins in nucleus
that are not associated
with nucleosomes
Chromatin
13. DNA to Chromosomes
(Eukaryotic Cells)
"Chromatin Structures" by Original uploader was Richard Wheeler at en.wikipedia Later version(s) were uploaded by
Seans Potato Business at en.wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia; Transfer was stated to be made by
User:sevela.p.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chromatin_Structures.png#mediaviewer/File:Chromatin_Structures.png
Chromosomes form when cells are
preparing to reproduce!
Chromosomes are passed from one cell
to the next!
