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chromatin
[ kroh-muh-tin ]
noun
- the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus, consisting of DNA, RNA, and various proteins, that forms chromosomes during cell division.
chromatin
/ ˈkrəʊmətɪn /
noun
- cytology the part of the nucleus that consists of DNA and proteins, forms the chromosomes, and stains with basic dyes See also euchromatin heterochromatin
chromatin
/ krō′mə-tĭn /
- The substance distributed in the nucleus of a cell that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division. It consists mainly of DNA and proteins called histones .
Derived Forms
- ˌchromaˈtinic, adjective
- ˈchromaˌtoid, adjective
Other Words From
- chroma·tinic adjective
- chroma·toid adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of chromatin1
Compare Meanings
How does chromatin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
In order for DNA to fit within a cell's nucleus, it is wound up around histone proteins to form a structure called "chromatin."
Each macrophage contains a set of identity-forming instructions encoded in strands of DNA, which are wrapped around protein complexes called histones and then wound into a 3D structure called chromatin.
In regions where gene expression is active, this packing is looser, meaning that chromatin is more open.
Within each of these cells lies a dynamic interplay of genetic components, including chromatin and RNA, which dictate crucial cellular functions.
This complex mechanism is mainly driven by the interaction between proteins called transcription factors, DNA regulatory regions, and epigenetic modifications -- chemical alterations that change chromatin structure.
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