Abstract
The eukaryotic genome is organized in DNA–histone complexes called chromatin. The nucleosome core (∼150 bp DNA tightly wrapped around the histone octamer in two superhelical coils) is a minimal unit of chromatin organization. Chromatin is designed to allow both tight DNA packaging and proper functioning and regulation of enzymes such as DNA and RNA polymerases. The mechanisms making DNA accessible for enzymes of DNA metabolism in a regulated manner are beginning to emerge. Thus the histone octamer has a remarkable ability to survive transcription by stepping around the transcribing polymerase without ever going free in solution. Moreover, nucleosomes can present a serious barrier for transcribing polymerases that dramatically decreases the rate of transcription and is probably regulated in vivo. The mechanism of transcription through the nucleosomal barrier is discussed in detail.
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