 Nucleosome reconstitution

Nucleosome reconstitution assembles histones with DNA outside the cell to produce defined nucleosome substrates. It permits controlled comparison of DNA sequence, histone composition and associated factors. For example, comparing the same DNA with and without a nucleosome tests how packaging changes access by a DNA-binding protein. A simplified preparation isolates mechanisms but omits cellular processes such as ongoing transcription, histone turnover and chromosome-scale constraints. ^[ref]