Question

What is Euchromatin?

Answer 1

Hint: Chromatin is found in the nucleus which consist of DNA and proteins. The DNA is a hereditary material and contains genetic information.

Complete Answer:
There are two types of chromatin:
1) Euchromatin
2) Heterochromatin

1) Euchromatin:
- Euchromatin is a loosely packed form of chromatin.
- That’s why DNA is more accessible.
- This type of chromatin is involved in active transcription of DNA into mRNA.

2) Heterochromatin:
- Heterochromatin is a very tightly and condensed form of chromatin.
- Heterochromatin is very stable .
- Heterochromatin is present in very condensed from inside the nucleus that’s why it appears as small, darkly staining irregular particles inside the nucleus.

Differences between Heterochromatin:

Sl.No	Heterochromatin	Euchromatin
1.	DNA is tightly bound or condensed and forms a smaller part of the genome.	DNA is loosely bound or dispersed and forms a significant part of the genome.
2.	It is darkly stained.	It is lightly stained.
3.	Genes present of heterochromatin are usually inactive.	Genes present on euchromatin are usually active.

Note: The major protein present in chromatin is histone (positively charged protein) which helps in packaging of DNA (negatively charged molecule) in the eukaryotic cell.