nonhistone
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /nɒnˈhɪstəʊn/
KK: /nɑnˈhɪstoʊn/
adjective
Definition
Referring to proteins that are associated with DNA but are not histones, which are a specific type of protein involved in the structure of chromosomes.
Example
Nonhistone proteins play important roles in the regulation of gene expression.
Conversation
Did you know that some proteins are classified as nonhistone?
Really? I thought all proteins associated with DNA were histones.
Nope, nonhistone proteins play a big role too, especially in DNA replication.
That’s interesting! I need to read more about how they work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nonnucleosomal
nonhistonic
nonchromatin
Antonyms
histone
chromatin
nucleosomal
noun
Definition
A type of chemical compound that does not belong to the group of proteins known as histones, which are involved in the structure of chromosomes.
Example
Nonhistone proteins play important roles in regulating gene expression.
Conversation
Have you heard about nonhistone proteins in biology?
Yeah, they're pretty interesting!
I read that they play a role in gene regulation too.
Root Explanation
Nonhistone → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "histone" (from Greek "histon", meaning to set in order or to bind). The word "nonhistone" refers to proteins that are not histones, which are involved in the structure of chromatin in cells.
Memory Tip
Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'histone' referring to proteins that help organize DNA. So, nonhistone means proteins that do not play that organizing role.
Visually Confused Words
histone