Post-translational acetylation of core histones is an enigmatic process. The identification of histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases as co-regulators of transcription in yeast and vertebrates has advanced our understanding of the biological role of histone acetylation and also improved our general insight into the molecular network of gene regulation. Basic features of histone acetylation in plants resemble those of other eukaryotes but there are differences, which are reflected in novel classes of histone deacetylase. Investigating histone acetylation in higher plants might reveal regulatory pathways distinct from animals, yet of essential importance for gene expression in plants.