Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

11. Cell Division

Organization of DNA in the Cell

General Biology

11. Cell Division

Organization of DNA in the Cell

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0:35 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

The following statements are about the control of chromatin condensation. Select True or False for each.
T/F Reducing histone acetylase activity is likely to decrease gene transcription.
T/F Mutations that reduce the number of positively charged amino acids on histones should promote open chromatin.
T/F Chromatin remodeling complexes add chemical groups to histones.
T/F Adding an inhibitor of DNA methylation is likely to reduce gene transcription.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of histone acetylation: Histone acetylation typically reduces the positive charge on histones, decreasing their affinity for DNA and promoting a more open chromatin structure, which facilitates gene transcription. Therefore, reducing histone acetylase activity would likely decrease gene transcription.

Consider the impact of mutations on histone charge: Histones are proteins that can have positively charged amino acids, which interact with the negatively charged DNA. Mutations that reduce the number of positively charged amino acids on histones would decrease their interaction with DNA, promoting a more open chromatin structure and potentially increasing gene transcription.

Evaluate the function of chromatin remodeling complexes: Chromatin remodeling complexes are involved in repositioning nucleosomes and altering chromatin structure, but they do not typically add chemical groups to histones. Instead, they facilitate access to DNA by changing the physical arrangement of chromatin.

Analyze the effect of DNA methylation inhibitors: DNA methylation generally suppresses gene transcription by adding methyl groups to DNA, which can lead to a more condensed chromatin structure. Adding an inhibitor of DNA methylation would likely increase gene transcription by preventing this suppression.

Review each statement based on the explanations provided: Use the understanding of histone acetylation, histone mutations, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation to determine the truth value of each statement regarding chromatin condensation and gene transcription.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Histone Acetylation

Histone acetylation involves the addition of acetyl groups to histone proteins, which reduces the positive charge on histones and decreases their affinity for negatively charged DNA. This process generally leads to a more relaxed chromatin structure, promoting gene transcription. Therefore, reducing histone acetylase activity would likely decrease gene transcription by maintaining a more condensed chromatin state.

Histone Charge and Chromatin Structure

Histones are proteins that help package DNA into chromatin, and their positive charge allows them to bind tightly to the negatively charged DNA. Mutations that reduce the number of positively charged amino acids on histones can decrease this binding affinity, leading to a more open chromatin structure. This open structure is associated with increased accessibility for transcription machinery, thus promoting gene transcription.

DNA Methylation and Gene Transcription

DNA methylation involves the addition of methyl groups to DNA, typically at cytosine bases, which can lead to a more condensed chromatin structure and reduced gene transcription. Inhibitors of DNA methylation can prevent this modification, potentially leading to a more open chromatin state and increased transcription. However, the effect can vary depending on the context and specific genes involved.