Towards a collective biology of the gene.
Two features of heterochromatin: heteropycnosis (high values of chromatin condensation), and repressed genetic expression, force upon us the use of cooperative variables, rather than molecular ones. In particular a "repressor" hypothesis is formulated, in which a useful parameter is clearly identified. This enables us to discuss the synchronized repression of a large number, n, of genes (as in the case of the Barr body, in which n is larger than 100). The hypothesis is documented with phenomena known to occur in active chromatin. Possible tests are suggested.
Chela-Flores
J
J
International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy.
D002875:Chromosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011789:Quantum Theory; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012097:Repressor Proteins