histones

Meaning

1. 1nouncountabletechnicalbiology

   Small proteins that DNA wraps around inside cells, helping to pack it tightly and control which genes are active.

   Grammar: Usually plural; the singular 'histone' names one such protein molecule.

   Patterns

   • histones bind to DNA
   • a histone protein
   • modification of histones

   DNA coils around histones so that it can fit inside the nucleus.

   Chemical tags added to histones can switch nearby genes on or off.

   Researchers compared the histones in healthy cells with those in cancer cells.

Word forms

Common combinations

histone proteins

Histone proteins help organize the long strands of DNA.

histone modification

Histone modification is one way cells regulate gene expression.

bind to histones

These enzymes bind to histones and change their shape.

histone code

The histone code refers to patterns of chemical marks on these proteins.

DNA wraps around histones

In the nucleus, DNA wraps around histones like thread around a spool.

Synonyms and how they differ

chromatin proteins

A looser, broader term for the proteins associated with DNA, of which histones are the main type.

nucleoproteins

A general chemistry term for proteins joined to nucleic acids; it covers more than just histones.

Word family

histone noun

The singular form, meaning one molecule of this type of protein.

histonic adjective

Rare; describing something related to histones.

Commonly confused: histones or hormones?

Practice

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