Our DNA is mastermind into distinct structures make out as chromosomes . In these , the strand of DNA is tightly wound around tiny protein called histones , which represent like a spool to the desoxyribonucleic acid yarn . These then form the chromosome , of which almost every cellular phone has 46 . While it has been guess that the absolute majority of chromosomes are made up of DNA and histone ( together know as chromatin ) , it now seems that thismight not be the example .
investigator from the University of Edinburgh have used in advance imaging techniques to create detailed 3D models of all 46 human chromosomes . Known as 3D - CLEM , it combines light and electron microscopy with model software . This allowed them to see in unprecedented detail the internal structure of chromosome , and expose that almost half of their entire complex body part is not actually made up of DNA , but or else made of a “ mysterious ” sheath beleaguer them .
“ The imaging technique we have developed to study chromosomes is truly innovational , ” explains Dr Daniel Booth , who co - authored the survey published inMolecular Cell , in astatement . “ determine the social organisation of all 46 human chromosomes for the first fourth dimension has forced us to reconsider the idea that they are composed almost only of chromatin , an effrontery that has go for the most part unchallenged for almost 100 years . ”
have sex as the “ chromosome outer boundary ” , the social function of this sheath is piffling understood , but it has been constitute to change in loudness depend on what leg the cell is in . The mysterious casing was found to calculate for between 30 and 47 percent of the chromosome at any one time , intend that the factual genetical material only makes up between 53 and 70 percent of the bodily structure .
The changes in volume might give hints as to its office , as the team suspect that the case may be there to keep the single chromosome separate from each other during cell division and preclude errors from come about . This means it may play a office in preventing malignant neoplastic disease and other associated diseases .
This new information is revelatory , as it overturns nigh a hundred years of mentation . Added to the fact that the vast absolute majority of our DNA is what is roll in the hay as “ junk DNA ” , in that it does not directly code proteins , it seems that even less of what is found in our nucleus is really what makes you specifically you .
