MNase

MNase, or micrococcal nuclease, is an enzyme used in molecular biology to study DNA and chromatin structure. It selectively cuts DNA, especially in regions not protected by proteins like histones. When researchers treat cells with MNase, it digests exposed DNA, leaving behind segments wrapped around histones called nucleosomes. By analyzing these protected DNA pieces, scientists can map how DNA is organized within the nucleus, helping to understand gene regulation and chromatin dynamics. MNase is a powerful tool for revealing how genetic material is packaged and accessed in cells.