Only half of a chromosome is DNA, 3-D imaging reveals

In a study conducted byscientists at the University of Edinburgh- in collaboration with the Kazusa DNA Research Institute (Japan), the National Cancer Institute (US), and the University of Liverpool- it was found that nearly half of the chromosome is not made up of DNA and supporting proteins. Instead, up to 47 percent of their structures are made up of a sheath, or periphery, that surrounds the chromosome. It is speculated that this sheath plays a key role in the cell division in isolating the chromosome.

In order to come to this new data, researchers produced 3-D models of all the 46 chromosomes using a precise microscopy technique called 3D-CLEM. 3D-CLEM uses light and electronmicroscopy with computational modelling software to produce a high resolution3D image of chromosomes. It was found that 53-70 percent of the chromosome is made up of DNA and supporting proteins while 30-47 percent is made up of chromosome periphery.

This work is remarkable because it challenges the previous knowledge of the composition of a chromosome. With this new understanding, new avenues will be opened when it comes to understanding cell division and the role of the mysterious sheath in preventing disease and birth defects.

Opinion:

This article was really interesting because for as long as I can remember, I have been taught that chromosomes are made of genetic material and protein, that’s it. I am curious to see what findings this research team will stumble upon next so that we can all gain a greater understanding of DNA and our genetic code. I do believe however that the sheath’s purpose is probably just protection so that the DNA can have a buffer between them and the other contents of the cell.