Chromosome condensation: DNA compaction in real time

Curr Biol. 2004 Jul 27;14(14):R554-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2004.07.009.

Abstract

Mitotic chromosomes must be organised into a highly ordered and compacted form to allow proper segregation of DNA during each round of cell division. Two new studies report observations of DNA compaction by eukaryotic and bacterial condensin molecules in real time using magnetic and optical trapping micromanipulation techniques.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / physiology*
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Chromosome Segregation / physiology
  • Chromosomes / metabolism
  • Chromosomes / physiology*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Micromanipulation
  • Microspheres
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • condensin complexes
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • DNA
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases