Question

How do histones affect gene expression?

Answer 1

Gene expression:

1. It is the process by which the information present in the genes or DNA is translated in such a way that it becomes a functional gene product.
2. The production of functional gene products, enables the genes to synthesize the end product of this process, proteins or non-coding RNAs.
3. These end products lastly code for a certain character or phenotype which is termed gene expression.

Histone:

1. Histones are proteins present in the chromosomes.
2. Histones are seen in all the eukaryotic nuclei.
3. Histones proteins are highly rich in certain basic amino acids, such as lysine and arginine due to which it is also a basic protein.
4. In eukaryotic nuclei, histones are a part of nucleosomes.

Effect of histone on gene expression:

1. Histones mainly perform the function of packaging and organizing DNA within the nucleus.
2. Certain post-translational modifications are also carried out by histone proteins that protrude as a tail from the nucleosome.
3. It affects transcription and gene expression by regulating the binding of effector molecules.

Figure showing histone protein in the nucleosome: