euchromatin

American  

[yoo-kroh-muh-tin] / yuˈkroʊ mə tɪn /

noun

Genetics.

1. the part of a chromosome that condenses maximally during metaphase and contains most of the genetically active material.

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euchromatin British  

/ ˌjuːkrəʊˈmætɪk, juːˈkrəʊmətɪn /

noun

1. the part of a chromosome that constitutes the major genes and does not stain strongly with basic dyes when the cell is not dividing Compare heterochromatin

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Other Word Forms

• euchromatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of euchromatin

First recorded in 1930–35; eu- + chromatin

Example Sentences

Eukaryote chromosomes are wrapped around histone proteins that create heterochromatin and euchromatin, which is not present in prokaryotes.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The tightly packaged region is known as heterochromatin, and the less dense region is known as euchromatin.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The euchromatin usually contains genes that are transcribed, with DNA packaged around nucleosomes but not further compacted.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Unmethylated nuclease-sensitive DNA is in the “open” configuration – aka euchromatin, a state in which DNA can discharge its various roles. 

From Scientific American • Sep. 17, 2012