Histone H3 is primarily acetylated at Lys9, 14, 18, 23, 27 and 56. Acetylation of H3 at Lys9 appears to have a dominant role in histone deposition and chromatin assembly in some organisms. Phosphorylation at Ser10, Ser28 and Thr11 of histone H3 is tightly correlated with chromosome condensation during both mitosis and meiosis. Phosphorylation of Thr3 of histone H3 is highly conserved among many species and is catalyzed by the kinase haspin. Immunostaining with phospho-specific antibodies in mammalian cells reveals mitotic phosphorylation of H3 Thr3 in prophase and its dephosphorylation during anaphase.