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Resource Type
Duration
00:01:44Description
This animation shows how DNA molecules are packed up into chromosomes.
DNA is tightly packed up to fit in the nucleus of every cell. As shown in the animation, a DNA molecule wraps around histone proteins to form tight loops called nucleosomes. These nucleosomes coil and stack together to form fibers called chromatin. Chromatin, in turn, loops and folds with the help of additional proteins to form chromosomes. Condensing DNA into chromosomes prevents DNA tangling and damage during cell division.
Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different structures.
Key Terms
chromatin, chromosome, DNA packaging, histone, nucleic acid, nucleosome, protein
Terms of Use
The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.