NEETZoologyMolecular Basis of Inheritance
What is the purpose of histones in eukaryotes?
Options
- ATo help organize the DNA into a nucleoid
- BTo wrap around the DNA in nucleosomes
- CTo form a chromatin structure
- DTo prevent the entry of pathogens
Correct answer
B. To wrap around the DNA in nucleosomes
Step-by-step solution
In eukaryotes, this organization is much more complex. There is a set of positively charged, basic proteins called histones. A protein acquires charge depending upon the abundance of amino acids residues with charged side chains. Histones are rich in the basic amino acid residues lysine and arginine. Both the amino acid residues carry positive charges in their side chains. Histones are organized to form a unit of eight molecules called histone octamer. The negatively charged DNA is wrapped around the positively cha