Biology for Non-STEM Majors
Histone modifications are chemical changes to the histone proteins around which DNA is wrapped, playing a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. These modifications, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, can alter the structure of chromatin, making it either more accessible or less accessible for transcriptional machinery. By influencing chromatin dynamics, histone modifications impact whether genes are turned on or off, ultimately affecting cellular functions and organismal development.
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