What is the Difference Between Cohesin and Condensin?

Cohesin and condensin are two related protein complexes that play essential roles in chromosome organization and segregation during cell division. They have distinct structures and functions:

1. Cohesin:

• Tetrameric protein complex composed of four subunits.
• Contains SMC1 and SMC3 subunits.
• Holds replicated sister chromatids together until they separate at anaphase.
• Responsible for achieving relatively low levels of chromatin compaction genome-wide.
• Forms chromatin loops along chromosome arms required for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis.

1. Condensin:

• Pentameric protein complex composed of five subunits.
• Contains SMC2 and SMC4 subunits.
• Reorganizes chromosomes into their highly compact mitotic structure.
• Supports higher chromatin compaction at specific loci by forming larger chromatin structures.
• Essential during anaphase, replacing cohesin and allowing sister chromatids to reach their respective poles.

Despite their similarities, cohesin and condensin have distinct structures and functions in chromosome organization and segregation during cell division. They are involved in different cellular processes and have unique subunit compositions.

Comparative Table: Cohesin vs Condensin

Cohesin and condensin are both multi-component proteins involved in chromosome segregation during cell division. They contain SMC proteins and form ring-like structures. However, they have distinct differences in their functions, structures, and DNA-binding properties. Here is a table comparing the differences between cohesin and condensin:

In summary, cohesin and condensin are both involved in chromosome segregation during cell division but have distinct functions, structures, and DNA-binding properties. Cohesin holds replicated sister chromatids together, while condensin is involved in chromosome condensation. They also have different motile behaviors, with cohesin diffusing bi-directionally and condensin translocating unidirectionally along DNA.