Figure showing packaging of DNA Helix. Observe the figure and answer the following questions.
The number of base pairs (bp) in a typical nucleosome of DNA helix is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 200 bp
In eukaryotes, 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 organised to form a unit of eight molecules called histone octamer.
The negatively charged DNA is wrapped around the positively charged histone octamer to form a structure called nucleosome . A typical nucleosome contains 200 bp of DNA helix.
Nucleosome