In diploid eukaryotic cells, the chromatin fibers are about 20nM in diameter.
They consist of two major components in equal amounts, DNA and basic proteins called histones.
The histones are a group of water and dilute acid soluble basic proteins found associated with DNA in chromosomes.
They are characterized by relatively high levels of lysine and arginine.
Although histones are classified into a limited number of types of fractions (see below) with each particular fraction having a fundamentally distinct amino acid composition and sequence, numerous subfractions are observed due to the acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation of various amino acid residues.
Microheterogeneity or alteration of structure is dynamic such that the histones of a single cell type are found to vary during development.
They are believed to play a role in gene activity and cellular metabolism.
Histones are believed to be regularly arranged in the deep groove of the DNA helix.
The recurring positive charges of the histones form electrostatic associations with the negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA making the DNA more stable and flexible.
This allows for the supercoiling of the chromatin fibers.
Applications:Suitable for use in Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry.