Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 2

The human genome contains 2.9×10⁹ base pairs. Approximately how many nucleosomes are required to organize the 10-nm–fiber structure of the human genome? Show the calculation you use to determine the answer.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a nucleosome is composed of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, and each nucleosome organizes about 147 base pairs of DNA.
Calculate the total number of nucleosomes required by dividing the total number of base pairs in the human genome by the number of base pairs per nucleosome.
Use the given total base pairs in the human genome, which is 2.9 \times 10^9 base pairs.
Divide 2.9 \times 10^9 base pairs by 147 base pairs per nucleosome to find the approximate number of nucleosomes.
Remember to consider that this is an approximation, as the actual number may vary slightly due to linker DNA between nucleosomes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nucleosomes

Nucleosomes are the fundamental units of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins. Each nucleosome contains about 147 base pairs of DNA. They play a crucial role in packaging DNA into a compact, organized structure, allowing for efficient storage and regulation of genetic information within the cell nucleus.
Recommended video:

10-nm Fiber

The 10-nm fiber, also known as the 'beads-on-a-string' structure, represents the first level of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. It consists of nucleosomes connected by linker DNA, creating a string-like appearance. This structure is essential for the initial compaction of DNA, facilitating further folding and organization into higher-order structures.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:10
Chromosome Structure

Calculation of Nucleosomes

To estimate the number of nucleosomes required for the human genome, one can divide the total number of base pairs by the number of base pairs per nucleosome. Given that the human genome has approximately 2.9×10⁹ base pairs and each nucleosome contains about 147 base pairs, the calculation would be 2.9×10⁹ / 147, yielding an approximate number of nucleosomes needed to organize the genome into the 10-nm fiber structure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:04
Calculating Heritability