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Eukaryotic Chromatin Modifications definitions

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  • Chromatin
    A complex of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming the structural basis for gene regulation in the nucleus.
  • Nucleosome
    A structural unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wound around a core of eight histone proteins.
  • Histone
    A protein component of nucleosomes, featuring tails that can be chemically modified to influence chromatin structure.
  • Euchromatin
    A loosely packed chromatin state that allows high transcriptional activity by making DNA accessible to transcription machinery.
  • Heterochromatin
    A tightly packed chromatin state that restricts access to DNA, resulting in low transcriptional activity.
  • Gene Expression
    The process by which genetic information is used to synthesize functional gene products, often regulated at the chromatin level.
  • Transcription
    The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, influenced by chromatin accessibility and modifications.
  • Histone Acetylation
    A modification where acetyl groups are added to histone tails, loosening chromatin and promoting gene activation.
  • Deacetylation
    The removal of acetyl groups from histone tails, resulting in tighter chromatin and reduced gene activity.
  • DNA Methylation
    A chemical modification involving the addition of methyl groups to cytosine nucleotides, often silencing gene expression.
  • Cytosine
    A DNA nucleotide that is commonly targeted for methylation, impacting gene regulation.
  • RNA Polymerase
    An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from DNA, requiring access to open chromatin for function.
  • Promoter
    A DNA sequence where transcription machinery binds to initiate gene transcription, its accessibility regulated by chromatin state.
  • Histone Tail
    A polypeptide extension from histone proteins that serves as a site for chemical modifications affecting chromatin structure.
  • Functional Group
    A specific group of atoms, such as acetyl or methyl, that can be added to histones or DNA to alter chromatin properties.