Eukaryotic genomes are organized into chromosomes. Genetic information regularly becomes damaged and requires repair in order to ensure genome stability. Furthermore, expression of individual genetic elements on the chromosome(s) is controlled by several factors, including chromatin. Understanding the functions of chromatin may provide efficient tools for regulating gene expression. There has been great progress in understanding genome control using genetic mutations, but the use of mutants is sometimes not possible or may require additional interference with DNA or chromatin structure using specific treatments in order to obtain phenotypes. Therefore, chemical genetics has become an integral part of plant genome research. Here, we summarize information on the most commonly used drugs for chromatin and DNA damage repair studies, with the aim of simplifying the choice of drug and the estimation of possible side effects for current and future research.
© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.