Nucleosome Dynamics Studied by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer

Chromatin is a hierarchical structure that condenses the genetic material into a nucleus of less than 10 μm in diameter, while at the same time providing rapid on-demand access to specific DNA loci. This dual role requires a tightly regulated yet highly dynamic DNA packaging, with the nucleosome as the central repeating unit. The nucleosome is composed of multiple protein subunits with distinct dynamic properties and can undergo spontaneous conformational transitions.