The role of DNA replication in chromosome condensation.
At metaphase, DNA in a human chromosome is estimated to be compacted at least 10,000 fold in length. However, the higher order mechanisms by which the chromosomes are organized in interphase and subsequently further condensed in mitosis have largely remained elusive. One generally overlooked participant in chromosome condensation is DNA replication. Many early studies of eukaryotic chromosome organization and cell fusions have suggested that DNA replication plays a role in chromosome compaction. Recent phenotypic analysis of Drosophila DNA replication mutants has revitalized this old idea. In this review, the role of DNA replication in chromosome condensation will be examined.
Pflumm
Michelle F
MF
Institute of Chemistry and Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, SGM 604, Boston, MA 02115, USA. michelle_pflumm@hms.harvard.edu
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004247:DNA / Q000502:physiology*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008677:Metaphase; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D016196:S Phase
D002843:Chromatin; D004247:DNA