chromatin
n. uncountablen. the material that makes up the chromosomes in a cell. It is a mix of DNA and proteins that help keep the genetic information organized.
n. the complex of DNA and proteins that forms the chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It exists in two forms: euchromatin, which is less condensed and transcriptionally active, and heterochromatin, which is more condensed and transcriptionally silent.
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes during cell division.
The structure of chromatin allows the long DNA molecules to fit inside the tiny nucleus of a cell.
Epigenetic modifications to the histone proteins within chromatin can alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, effectively turning genes on or off as needed.
Borrowed from German Chromatin, from (combining form of) Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “colour”) + -ινος (-inos, “made of”). Analyzable as chromatic (“of colour”) + -in (“substance”).