Chromatin (Gr. Chroma - Color)

Chromatin (Gr. Chromium - Color)

Chromatin is an easily stained component of the cell nucleus that forms a weave of threads within it. It consists of DNA and protein.

Chromatin was discovered at the end of the 19th century due to its ability to be stained with basophilic dyes. Under a microscope, chromatin appears as a network of threads or granules filling the cell nucleus.

The structure of chromatin is based on a double helix of DNA on which histone proteins are wound. Histones make it possible to compactly package a huge DNA molecule so that it fits inside the nucleus. At the same time, the DNA remains available for reading genetic information.

Thus, due to the presence of chromatin, the genetic material of the cell is protected, but at the same time can be used for the biosynthesis of RNA and proteins necessary for the life of the cell.