The first look at how archaea package their DNA reveals they’re a lot like us

Peek into microbes hints that packing scheme for genetic material goes way back

archaea microbe DNA

WOUND UP  Archaea microbes wrap their DNA (represented in yellow) around proteins called histones (purple) akin to the way plants and animals do. 

Francesca Mattiroli

Single-celled microbes may have taught plants and animals how to pack their genetic baggage.