Which histone is involved in higher-order chromatin structure?

Which histone is involved in higher-order chromatin structure?

• A. H1
• B. H2A
• C. H3
• D. H4

Answer: (A)

Higher-order chromatin structure is driven by the linker histone that binds the DNA between nucleosomes and helps pack nucleosomes into thicker, more compact fibers. The core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 form the nucleosome core particle around which DNA wraps, but higher-level compaction relies on H1 to stabilize and organize adjacent nucleosomes into the 30 nm fiber and beyond. By sitting at the entry/exit points of the nucleosome, H1 promotes the tighter folding of chromatin, making this histone the key player in higher-order structure.

Higher-order chromatin structure is driven by the linker histone that binds the DNA between nucleosomes and helps pack nucleosomes into thicker, more compact fibers. The core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 form the nucleosome core particle around which DNA wraps, but higher-level compaction relies on H1 to stabilize and organize adjacent nucleosomes into the 30 nm fiber and beyond. By sitting at the entry/exit points of the nucleosome, H1 promotes the tighter folding of chromatin, making this histone the key player in higher-order structure.