Fractal organization of DNA in the cell nucleus: theoretical prediction, experimental confirmation, computer simulation ... and still many open questions
Alexander Grosberg, NYU

Abstract:
Each cell of our body contains about 2 meters of DNA packed in a micron size nucleus.  It was predicted a long time ago that this DNA has to be organized as a crumpled globule in which polymer chain adopts a peculiar shape not dissimilar to a 3D Peano curve.  Recent experiment confirmed the prediction.  Theory based on the topological properties of DNA also explains the phenomenon of chromosome territories.  However, more detailed experiments as well as computer simulations of the model systems, particularly related to the dynamics of DNA in crumpled globule state, challenge us with new tough questions.