title: Possible structures for the nucleosome core of chromatin at the molecular level.
abstract: This paper integrates data from four sources into a single hypothesis of the overall structure of the histones making up the core of the nucleosome. The data collated are (i) the overall size and shape of the particle and number and symmetry of histones involved; (ii) the known loci of attachment of the individual histones to specified loci on the DNA super coil; (iii) the known loci of individual amino acid residues known to bind to DNA; and (iv) the Chou and Fasman predictions of secondary structures from sequences of the individual histones. The overall structure suggested in two inner struts made up by the two H4 molecules. These struts are strengthened by H3 alpha and beta-structure and H2 beta alpha-helices.
mesh_terms: D004278:DNA, Superhelical / Q000378:metabolism; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D008961:Models, Structural; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000032:analysis*; D011487:Protein Conformation
chemical_list: D004278:DNA, Superhelical; D006657:Histones; D009707:Nucleosomes