OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the current model for progressive levels of DNA packing.*
2. Explain how acetylation of histones and methylation of cytosines can influence chromatin structure in eukaryotic organisms.*
3. Distinguish between euchromatin and heterochromatin. *
4. Describe the DNA packing structure associated with mitotic chromosomes, telomeres and centromeres.*
5. Understand the role of promoters and general transcription factors in forming the transcriptional initiation complex.*
6. Describe the role of enhancers and activators in transcriptional regulation and differential gene expression in cell type specific gene regulation.*
7. Spring 2006: Read the article handed out in class.

KEY TERMS
differential gene expression, combinatorial control of gene activation, histone acetylation, methylation, euchromatin, heterochromatin, promoters, RNA polymerase II, transcription factors, enhancers (distal control elements), promoters, activators.