Predict the effect of a mutation that makes histone proteins negatively charged.
A) The histones will wind DNA tighter than usual, compacting it more.
B) The histones will attract the DNA more tightly, disrupting gene transcription.
C) The histones will attract the DNA less, disrupting the chromatin structure.
D) The histones will attract extra amino acids, disrupting the formation of nucleosomes.
E) The histones will actively break apart the hydrogen bonds of the DNA helix.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Histones are normally positively charged, which allows them to interact closely with the negatively charged DNA. If histones were to become negatively charged, they would repel the DNA rather than attracting it, leading to a disruption in the chromatin structure. This is because the charge interaction between histones and DNA is crucial for the formation and maintenance of chromatin structure.

Predict the Effect of a Mutation That Makes Histone Proteins