Question

Question: Histones are proteins that control gene function by attaching through salt links to exterior regions of DNA. Name an amino acid whose side chain is often found on the exterior of histones

Short answer

Answer

Lysine is one of the two amino acids whose side chain is found on the exterior of histones.

Step-by-step solution

Amino acid in Histone protein  

Highly basic proteins called histones contain lots of lysine and arginine residues. They control gene function by attaching through salt links (a combination of two interactions- hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding).

Function of Lysine and arginine  

Histone lysine and arginine residue are subjected to a wide array of post translational modifications including methylation, citrullination, acylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation.

These alterations work together to control important DNA functions like replication, repair, and transcription.