Recognition of specific DNA sequences in eukaryotic chromosomes.

The packaging of DNA into chromatin probably places certain restrictions on how specific DNA sequences can be recognized by DNA sequence specific recognition proteins (SRP). Several unique features of this type of interaction are discussed. Specifically, as a consequence of the coiling of the DNA about a histone core, it is proposed that DNA recognition sites will be compound and that each element of the compound recognition site will be about 10 - 20 b.p. in length and distributed at approximately 80 b.p. intervals--the periodicity of the DNA wrapping around the nucleosome.