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The eukaryotic chromatin is composed of
Explanation
Eukaryotic chromatin is a complex macromolecular structure primarily composed of DNA and proteins [4]. The fundamental repeating unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consists of approximately 146-147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histone proteins [3]. These proteins, specifically histones, are positively charged and bind tightly to the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA to facilitate compact packaging within the microscopic cell nucleus. While some definitions include associated RNA molecules involved in transcription and regulation, the core structural definition of chromatin consistently identifies it as a DNA-protein complex. This packaging allows the massive length of genomic DNA to fit into the nucleus while remaining accessible for essential biological processes like replication and gene expression.
Sources
- [4] https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Chromatin
- [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/chromatin-structure