Euchromatin

/juːˈkroʊmətɪn/ noun

Definition

The loosely packed form of DNA in cells that is transcriptionally active and allows genes to be read and expressed into proteins.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-' (well, good) + 'chroma' (color) + 'tin' (chromatin substance). The 'eu-' prefix indicates this is the 'good' or functional form of chromatin.

Kelly Says

Euchromatin and heterochromatin are like the on and off switches of life—cells can actually flip regions between them, which is why identical twins develop differently as they age!

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