What is the role of histones in eukaryotic chromosomes?

What is the role of histones in eukaryotic chromosomes?

• A. To facilitate transcription
• B. To provide structural support to DNA
• C. To initiate cell division
• D. To transport nutrients

Answer: (B)

Histones play a crucial role in providing structural support to DNA in eukaryotic chromosomes. They are basic proteins that bind to the negatively charged DNA, facilitating its packaging into a compact, organized structure known as chromatin. This packaging is essential for fitting the long strands of DNA within the confined space of the cell nucleus. By wrapping around DNA, histones help to condense it into a more manageable form for processes such as cell division and gene regulation. Additionally, histones can undergo various modifications, influencing their interaction with DNA and thereby playing a role in gene expression regulation. However, their primary function remains structural, providing the necessary scaffolding for DNA organization and stability within the chromosome. This differs significantly from the roles implied by the other options, which suggest functions unrelated to the structural aspect of DNA architecture.

Histones play a crucial role in providing structural support to DNA in eukaryotic chromosomes. They are basic proteins that bind to the negatively charged DNA, facilitating its packaging into a compact, organized structure known as chromatin. This packaging is essential for fitting the long strands of DNA within the confined space of the cell nucleus. By wrapping around DNA, histones help to condense it into a more manageable form for processes such as cell division and gene regulation.

Additionally, histones can undergo various modifications, influencing their interaction with DNA and thereby playing a role in gene expression regulation. However, their primary function remains structural, providing the necessary scaffolding for DNA organization and stability within the chromosome. This differs significantly from the roles implied by the other options, which suggest functions unrelated to the structural aspect of DNA architecture.