How much information is encoded in the DNA sequence of an organism? We argue that the informational, mechanical and topological properties of DNA are interdependent and act together to specify the primary characteristics of genetic organization and chromatin structures. Superhelicity generated in vivo, in part by the action of DNA translocases, can be transmitted to topologically sensitive regions encoded by less stable DNA sequences.

Keywords:
chromatin, chromosome organization, chromosome topology, DNA thermodynamics, DNA translocase, superhelicity
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2013 Biochemical Society
2013
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