Structure of nucleosome core particles of chromatin.

Cystals have been obtained on nucleosome cores and analysed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The core is a flat particle of dimensions about 110 X 110 X 57 A, somewhat wedge shaped, and strongly divided into two 'layers', consistent with the DNA being wound into about 1 3/4 turns of a flat superhelix of a pitch about 28 A. The organisation of the DNA can be correlated with the results to enzyme digestion studies. A change in the screw of the DNA double helix on nucleosome formation can be deduced.