title: The helical model of the nucleosome core.
abstract: A model of the nucleosome core is proposed based on a topologically linear array of histones attached sequentially to DNA. The linear complex folds helically forming a spring-like particle. Different variants of the particle are discussed (cylindrical springs with and without histone-histone contacts between turns of the helix, solenoidal spring). The model is consistent with known data about the nucleosome structure. Histones H3 and H4 have a special role in the model which is related also to the superstructure of chromatin.
mesh_terms: D002843:Chromatin; D004247:DNA; D006657:Histones; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008956:Models, Chemical
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D004247:DNA