basic unit of chromatin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic unit of chromatin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or academic contexts when discussing the structure and function of chromatin in genetics and molecular biology. Example: "The basic unit of chromatin, known as the nucleosome, plays a crucial role in the packaging of DNA within the cell nucleus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The basic unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consist of four histone proteins and ~147 bp of DNA [1].

Journal of Cheminformatics

The basic unit of chromatin structure is the core nucleosome, comprised of a histone octamer wrapped within 1.67 left-handed superhelical turns.

Plosone

Histone wrapping of nuclear DNA generates nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin in virtually all Eukaryotes.

BMC Genomics

Together, these data provide evidence for a direct SIRT6 interaction with nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin.

Aging

Nucleosomes, which are composed of DNA wrapped around an octamer histone core, are the basic unit of chromatin [ 12].

Biology of Sex Differences

The basic unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consists of 147 bp DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Nucleosomes, the basic units of chromatin, are decorated with a myriad of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) by the action of chromatin modifiers.

Methods in Enzymology

Nucleosomes, the basic units of chromatin, consist of an octamer of core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) wrapping 1.8 turns of DNA, and form a compact and hierarchical structure.

BMC Cancer

Additionally, the repression of transcription has often been correlated with the presence of nucleosomes, the basic units of chromatin structure, in which histone DNA interactions act as a barrier for RNA polymerase elongation along DNA (Li et al., 2007; Petesch and Lis, 2012; Teves et al., 2014).

eLife

Nucleosomes package DNA into the basic unit of eukaryotic chromatin.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Nucleosomes, the basic unit of eukaryotic chromatin, are comprised of approximately 147 bp of DNA wrapped 1.65 times around a histone protein octamer (reviewed in ref. 27).

Epigenetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing chromatin structure, clarify which level of organization you're referring to. The "basic unit of chromatin" is often the nucleosome, but higher-order structures also exist.

Common error

Avoid using "basic unit of chromatin" when you actually mean chromosome. Chromosomes are larger structures made of highly condensed chromatin. The nucleosome, which forms from DNA and histone, is the "basic unit of chromatin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic unit of chromatin" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the fundamental structural element within chromatin. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic unit of chromatin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term in scientific literature to describe the fundamental structural element of chromatin, typically the nucleosome. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly encountered in academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the level of chromatin organization and avoid confusing it with related but distinct concepts such as chromosomes. Alternatives like "fundamental component of chromatin" or "core unit of chromatin" can be used for variety. Remember it’s the nucleosome, which forms from DNA and histone. The analysis demonstrates the phrase's strong association with formal, scientific discourse, highlighting its importance in the field of molecular biology and genetics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental component of chromatin

Replaces "basic" with "fundamental", emphasizing the essential nature of the component but it's a more generic concept.

core unit of chromatin

Substitutes "basic" with "core", focusing on the central and essential part of chromatin.

primary structural element of chromatin

Replaces "unit" with "structural element", highlighting the role in the overall structure.

building block of chromatin

Uses an analogy to construction to describe the function of the unit.

fundamental structural unit of chromatin

Combines “fundamental” and “structural” emphasizing its importance as a unit.

essential unit of chromatin structure

Highlights the necessity of the unit for the overall structure.

fundamental repeating unit of chromatin

Adds the concept of repetition, common in chromatin organization.

elementary component of chromatin

Emphasizes the simplicity and foundational nature of the component.

basic structural component of chromatin

Uses more words to define the concept but without altering the core concept.

key organizational unit of chromatin

Highlights the organizational role of the unit within chromatin.

FAQs

What is the role of the "basic unit of chromatin" in the cell?

The "basic unit of chromatin", the nucleosome, is responsible for packaging DNA within the nucleus, protecting it from damage, and regulating gene expression.

What are the components of the "basic unit of chromatin"?

The "basic unit of chromatin", the nucleosome, is composed of approximately 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer, which consists of two copies each of histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4.

How does the structure of the "basic unit of chromatin" affect gene expression?

The packaging of DNA into nucleosomes, the "basic unit of chromatin", can either inhibit or promote gene expression. Tightly packed chromatin (heterochromatin) typically silences genes, while loosely packed chromatin (euchromatin) allows for transcription.

What are some alternative terms for "basic unit of chromatin"?

Instead of "basic unit of chromatin", you can use terms like "fundamental component of chromatin", "core unit of chromatin", or "nucleosome", depending on the context.