Transcriptionally poised chromatin:
A) Is depleted in methylated CpG dinucleotides.
B) Is decondensed due to dissociation of histone H1 from the DNA.
C) Is DNase I sensitive relative to buLIc chromatin.
D) Is characterized by decreased electrostatic interactions between histones and DNA.
E) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transcriptionally poised chromatin is characterized by features that make it ready for transcription when activated. This includes being depleted in methylated CpG dinucleotides, which are typically associated with gene silencing. It is also decondensed, partly due to the dissociation of histone H1, making it more accessible to transcription machinery. This chromatin is more sensitive to DNase I, indicating a more open structure. Decreased electrostatic interactions between histones and DNA also contribute to this open, accessible state. All these characteristics facilitate the transition of chromatin from a poised state to an actively transcribing state upon receiving the appropriate signals.

Transcriptionally Poised Chromatin