[Campbell Biology P.420] Which of the following best describes the effect of histone acetyla... | Practice Question

Which of the following best describes the effect of histone acetylation on gene expression?

  • A: Leads to chromatin condensation and reduced transcription.
  • B: Promotes transcription by opening up chromatin structure.
  • C: Has no direct effect on gene transcription.
  • D: Alters the DNA sequence, leading to gene silencing.

Explanation

Histone acetylation, the addition of an acetyl group to a histone tail, appears to promote transcription by opening up chromatin structure, making the DNA more accessible to transcription machinery.