The tweezer structure, consisting of two rigid DNA bars connected by a joint. (Illustration: Chris Hohmann, NIM / Dietz Lab, TUM)
Research news - The genome molecule contains the blueprint for life. The manner in which the blueprint is packed into the cell determines which genes are active and which are set to inactive. Disturbing this structure can result in illnesses such as cancer. Munich scientists have now succeeded in using molecular "tweezers" made from DNA to measure interactions at the first packaging level of the genome. The nucleus of every human cell has to contain two meters of the molecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the carrier of our genetic information. This means the DNA has to be packaged carefully, primarily wrapping itself around certain proteins. Comparable to small spools, these structures made of DNA and proteins are referred to as nucleosomes.
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