Question

What are histones made up of?

Answer 1

Histones:

1. Histones are positively charged lysine and arginine residue-rich basic proteins.
2. Nuclear DNA in all eukaryotic cells is highly compact due to its association with histones, which are unique proteins that neutralise their electrostatic characteristic.
3. Thus, Histones are a subset of proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that are involved in the creation of chromatin and the folding of DNA.
4. Histones act as spools for DNA, which spirals into it to form structural units known as nucleosomes, which resemble beads on strings.
5. These nucleosomes are then bonded into 30-nanometer fibres, resulting in compressed chromatin.
6. These histones prevent the DNA from being twisted and knotted, so preserving it from harm.