The portion of chromatin (DNA-containing material in cells) that stains intensely with basic dyes, representing more condensed genetic material.
From 'basichromatic' (staining with basic dyes) + 'chromatin' (from Greek 'chroma' meaning color, the cell's DNA-protein complex). A molecular biology term.
Inside your cell nucleus, DNA is packaged into different densities—'basichromatin' is the tightly packed, darkly staining stuff that represents genes that are mostly silent, while the loosely packed parts are actively being used.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.