Heterochromatin is a tightly packed form of DNA that is generally transcriptionally inactive, meaning that genes located in heterochromatin are usually not expressed. This form of chromatin plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability, regulating gene expression, and influencing chromosomal architecture. It can be classified into two types: constitutive heterochromatin, which is always present at certain chromosomal regions, and facultative heterochromatin, which can become active under specific conditions.
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