Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction study of complexes of histones H3 and H4 in the condensed state.

Infrared spectroscopy, deuterium exchange kinetics and X-ray diffraction experiments on H3-H4 complexes in the condensed state are described. Both salt- and acid-extracted material are shown to contain alpha-helix in an amount comparable to that found under dilute solution conditions. Support for an anisotropic model of these complexes is provided.