heterochromatin

[ het-er-uh-kroh-muh-tin ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. the dense, highly stainable part of a chromosome.

heterochromatin

/ ˌhɛtərəʊˈkrəʊmətɪn /

noun

1. the condensed part of a chromosome that stains strongly with basic dyes in nondividing cells and has little genetic activity Compare euchromatin

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterochromatin¹

First recorded in 1930–35; hetero- + chromatin

Example Sentences

Large portions of the DNA in the nucleus are classified as heterochromatin because they are more compact and generally not expressed as proteins.

From Quanta Magazine

These droplets can fuse with each other, possibly providing a mechanism for compacting heterochromatin inside the nucleus.

From Quanta Magazine

Collectively those inactive, tightly guarded parts of the genome are known as heterochromatin.

From Science News