Question

List some ways that histones can be covalently modified.

Short answer

The list of histones Acetylation, Methylation, Phosphorylation, Ubiquitylation, Sumoylation.

Step-by-step solution

Histones

Histones are the proteins that associate with DNA and help condense it into chromatin. Histone can be covalently modified in the following ways: methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, and sumoylation.

Acetylation

Acetylation: The addition of the acetyl group to the histone tail is acetylation. It occurs in and histones. This weakens the positive charge of DNA. It has a role in cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

Methylation

Methylation: In this process, a methyl group is added to the lysine and arginine of the Histone tail.

Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation: In this, the phosphate group is added to the histone molecule. It has a role in DNA damage and repair mechanisms.

Ubiquitylation

Ubiquitylation: In this modification, ubiquitin monomers are added to the lysine residue of the histone molecule. It alters the chromatin structure.

Sumoylation

Sumoylation: It is the attachment of the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO), which are the small proteins that alter the functions of other proteins