Chromosome Structure and Chromatin

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to chromosome structure and chromatin, focusing on important terms and definitions relevant to microbiology.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and protein that carries genetic information.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells.

Nucleoid

The irregularly-shaped region within a prokaryotic cell where genetic material is located.

Histone

Basic proteins that associate with DNA in eukaryotic cells to form chromatin.

Nucleosome

The structural unit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Compaction problem

The challenge of fitting large amounts of DNA into the small nuclear space of eukaryotic cells.

E. coli chromosome

A single closed circular DNA molecule found in Escherichia coli bacteria.

Core histones

Histone proteins H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 that form the core of the nucleosome.

Linker histone H1

A histone protein that binds to the nucleosome and helps package DNA further.

DNA packing

The process of condensing DNA to fit within the nucleus of a cell.

Diploid chromosome number

The total number of chromosomes in a diploid organism, containing two sets of chromosomes.

Octoploid

An organism with eight sets of chromosomes.

Gene silencing

The process by which a gene's expression is inhibited.

DNA repair

The collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to its DNA.