The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell.
From the Greek word for color. Named by Walter Flemming in 1879, due to the fact that chromatin’s band-like structures stained darkly, chromatin is the complex of DNA and (histone) protein of which the chromosomes are composed. Consisting of fibrous swirls of unraveled DNA molecules in the nucleus of the interphase (i.e., the prolonged period of cell growth between cell division phases) eucaryote cell. Chromatin DNA gradually coils itself around flexible rods of histone protein during the prophase (i.e., the first stage of mitosis), forming two parallel compact cylinders (called chromatids) connected by a knotlike structure (called a centromere) at their middles. In appearance they are sort of like two rolls of carpeting standing side-by-side that are tied together with rope at their middles.
These (recently replicated) cylinders (that are joined at their middles) are homologous chromosomes (i.e., the genes of the two chromosomes are linked in the same linear order within the DNA strands of both chromosomes). While they are still joined at their middles, these paired chromosomes appear X-shaped when photographed by a karyotyper to produce a karyotype. Chromatin is usually not visible during the interphase of a cell, but can be made more visible during all phases by reaction with basic stains (dyes) specific for DNA.
The nuclear substance which takes basic stain and becomes incorporated in the chromosomes, so called because of the readiness with which it becomes stained with certain dyes.
Deeply-staining part of cell nucleus, basis of heredity.
A network which forms the nucleus of a cell and can be stained with basic dyes.
A complex of DNA and protein in the nucleus of the interphase cell. It is a protein-DNA complex that comprises the chromosomes.
Easily stained, gene-carrying part of the cell nucleus. It consists of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the basic hereditary material) and protein (usually histone).
The material of a cell nucleus that stains with basic dyes and consists of DNA and protein: the substance of which the chromosomes are made.
The genetic material found in the nucleus of a cell. It consists of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). During mitotic division of the cell, chromatin condenses into chromosomes.
The deeply staining genetic material present in the nucleus of a cell that is not dividing. It is the largely uncoiled chromosomes, made of DNA and protein.