chromatin

American  

[kroh-muh-tin] / ˈkroʊ mə tɪn /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus, consisting of DNA, RNA, and various proteins, that forms chromosomes during cell division.

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chromatin British  

/ ˈkrəʊmətɪn /

noun

1. cytology the part of the nucleus that consists of DNA and proteins, forms the chromosomes, and stains with basic dyes See also euchromatin heterochromatin

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chromatin Scientific  

/ krō′mə-tĭn /

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• chromatinic adjective
• chromatoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of chromatin

First recorded in 1880–85; chromat- + -in ²

Compare meaning

How does chromatin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chromatin vs. chromatid
• chromatin vs. chromosome

Example Sentences

Approximately twenty years ago, Dr. Nestler's team began exploring epigenetic regulation, the chromatin modifications that allow environmental conditions to produce lasting changes in brain function.

From Science Daily

Using advanced imaging tools at Janelia, the researchers captured the most detailed views to date of how molecules are arranged inside synthetic chromatin condensates.

From Science Daily

In order for DNA to fit within a cell's nucleus, it is wound up around histone proteins to form a structure called "chromatin."

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

In regions where gene expression is active, this packing is looser, meaning that chromatin is more open.

From Science Daily