In some cases, the various heterochromatic regions, especially those associated with centromeres, aggregate into a densely staining chromocenter.

The common form of heterochromatin that always remains heterochromatic is called constitutive heterochromatin. 

It is permanently condensed. 

It replicates late in S phase and has a reduced frequency of genetic recombination relative to euchromatic gene rich areas of the genome.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6782

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

The protospacer adjacent motif (or PAM for short) is a short DNA sequence (usually 2-6 base pairs in length) that follows the DNA region targeted for cleavage by the CRISPR system, such as CRISPR-Cas9. The PAM is required for a Cas nuclease to cut and is generally found 3-4 nucleotides downstream from the cut site

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6783

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

cas1, cas2, and cas4 required to create protospacer sequences Cas1 is  integrase, whereas Cas2 is a ribonuclease. In contrast, of other Cas proteins, Cas6 is involved in expression and processing of the CRISPR cluster and Cas3 in the interference of viral infection.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6784

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

The promoter from which expression is initiated is located within the leader region and generates a single RNA transcript called the pre-crRNA.  In the case of E. coli, the CRISPR is associated with eight cas genes, the products of five of which form a complex called Cascade.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6785

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

crRNA and Cascade are then directed to and cleave the target DNA with the help of Cas3 in E.coli

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6786

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 6787

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

Piwi-associated RNAs, piRNA, are a special class of miRNA found in germ cells have features distinct from miRNAs.  siRNA (small interfering RNA), which is typically produced during a virus infection.