How does histone acetylation by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) affect eukaryotic gene transcription?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. It removes positive charges from lysine residues, loosening chromatin to facilitate transcription
Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) transfer acetyl groups to positively charged basic lysine residues on histone tails, neutralizing their charge. This reduces histone affinity for the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA, opening chromatin structure (euchromatin) and allowing transcription factors and RNA polymerase access to promoter sequences. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) cause condensation and repression.
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