Chromatin

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A complex of DNA, histones and nonhistone chromosomal proteins, which condense to make up the chromosomes found in eukaryotic nuclei [1]. 145 bp of DNA is wound into a left-handed superhelix [2] around 8 histones with up to 80 bp linking to the next "bead on a string". Each of these repeating units is a nucleosome.

Chromatin is formed to strengthen the DNA and decrease it's volume in the cell, thus preventing damage.

References

  1. Alberts, B. et al., 2007. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th ed. s.l.:Garland Science. p.G:7
  2. Berg, Jeremy M., et al. 2011. Biochemistry. 7th Edition. Palgrave MacMillan. p.976