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Multiple Choice
Histone acetylation is associated with:
A
Activate transcription in that region, RNA Polymerase can easily interact with DNA.
B
Repressed transcription in that region, RNA Polymerase cannot easily interact with DNA.
C
Tightly-packed nucleosomes.
D
No change in chromatin structure or transcription rates.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of histones: Histones are proteins that help package DNA into structural units called nucleosomes. This packaging can influence gene expression by controlling the accessibility of DNA to transcription machinery.
Learn about acetylation: Acetylation is a chemical modification where an acetyl group is added to a molecule. In the context of histones, acetylation typically occurs on lysine residues in the histone tails.
Explore the effect of histone acetylation: Acetylation of histones neutralizes the positive charge on lysine residues, reducing the interaction between histones and the negatively charged DNA. This leads to a more relaxed chromatin structure.
Connect acetylation to transcription: The relaxed chromatin structure resulting from histone acetylation allows transcription factors and RNA polymerase easier access to DNA, thereby facilitating transcription.
Evaluate the options: Based on the understanding that histone acetylation leads to a more open chromatin structure and increased transcription, identify the option that aligns with this effect.