Heterochromatized

/ˌhetərəˈkroʊmətaɪzd/ adjective

Definition

Describing chromatin or DNA regions that have been converted into the tightly packed, inactive heterochromatin state.

Etymology

From heterochromatization + -ed (past participle). Describes the result of the heterochromatization process in molecular biology.

Kelly Says

When your cells heterochromatize the X chromosome in female mammals, it's one of nature's strangest genetic events—one entire copy goes silent, making females a biological mosaic of two different cell types.

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