Chromatin

Definition

Chromatin is a complex of DNA and proteins (mainly histones) that forms within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and serves as the material from which chromosomes are organized. It helps package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, control gene expression, and facilitate DNA replication.

Related terms

Histone: Proteins that help package and order the DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

Nucleosome: The fundamental subunit of chromatin, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around eight histone proteins.

Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product, often protein, which can affect the cell's structure and function