Article
Paternal DNA packaging in spermatozoa: more than the sum of its parts? DNA, histones, protamines and epigenetics
16 Sept 2009
Abstract excerpt
Haploid male germ cells package their DNA into a volume that is typically 10% or less that of a somatic cell nucleus. To achieve this remarkable level of compaction, spermatozoa replace most of their histones with smaller, highly basic arginine and (in eutherians) cysteine rich protamines. One reason for such a high level of compaction is that it may help optimise nuclear shape and hence support the gametes'...
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