Question

Does chromatin contain non-histone protein?

Answer 1

The main difference between histone proteins and non-histone proteins is their function. The histone proteins help in building the structure of DNA, the main framework of the genetic material. The non-histone proteins help provide the scaffolding structure.

Complete explanation:
Yes, chromatin contains non-histone proteins. The non-histone proteins aid in compacting the genetic material. Non-histone proteins are heterogeneous groups of proteins. They are found in the nucleus of eukaryotic organisms. The following are the examples of non-histone proteins: DNA polymerase, scaffold proteins, polycomb, and heterochromatin protein 1. Non-histone proteins play an important role in the following processes:
DNA replication: DNA replication is the process of replicating DNA molecules during cell cycle. The non-histone protein used in DNA replication is DNA polymerase.
Nuclear transport: nuclear transport is the process of movement of molecules to and from the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Non-histone proteins aid in this process.
Nucleosome remodeling: A nucleosome is a part of DNA that is coiled around a protein. With the help of non-histone proteins, nucleosome remodeling takes place and the DNA attains its proper structure.
Steroid-hormone action: non-histone proteins aid in modulating the gene expression through steroid-hormone action.
RNA synthesis and processing: The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA is known as
transcription.

Note:
Non-histone proteins are proteins without histones that are found in chromatin. Scaffold proteins attach to one or more proteins and play an important role in signaling pathways. Polycomb aids in chromatin remodeling. Heterochromatin protein 1 plays a major part in gene silencing.