Histones are 8 subunit proteins that cells use to pack DNA into the manageable condensed chromosomes you are used to seeing during mitosis or meiosis (functioning somewhat like hair rollers for DNA). Under normal circumstances, DNA binds TIGHTLY to histones. Given what you know about DNA structure, predict which amino acids are concentrated on the outer surface of histones that interacts with the backbone of DNA?

The amino acids that are concentrated on the outer surface of histones and interact with the backbone of DNA are ARGININE and LYSINE, which are positively charged (i.e., they are basic amino acids).

In eukaryotic cells, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is tightly packed by its interaction with histone proteins.

A nucleosome is the functional and structural unit of eukaryotic chromatin, which is composed of an octamer of histone proteins (two subunits of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 histone proteins) and approximately 147 base pairs of DNA.

The phosphate backbone of the DNA double helix is negatively charged because phosphate bonds between phosphorous atoms and oxygen atoms have a negative charge.

In consequence, the tight wrapping of DNA around histones is due to the attraction between the phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule and positively charged amino acids of histones.

In conclusion, the amino acids that are concentrated on the outer surface of histones and interact with the backbone of DNA are ARGININE and LYSINE, which are positively charged (i.e., they are basic amino acids).

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