Nucleosomal repeat length in active and inactive genes.

Nucleosomal repeat lengths of total chromatin, H4 histone and beta-DR genes have been measured in logarithmically growing HeLa cells. We have detected significant differences in nucleosomal spacing between inactive chromatin and chromatin regions actively engaged in transcription. These differences are also maintained in metaphase chromosomes at times when transcription ceases although a shortening in nucleosomal repeat length is observed in active and inactive chromatin. These observations support a model where DNA-core histone interactions are temporarily altered to allow selective remodelling of chromatin organization.