Question

Chromatin can be defined as:

Options

• The condensed form of DNA visible only during metaphase

• A protein complex that catalyses DNA replication

• The thread-like complex of DNA and proteins present in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells

• The circular, supercoiled DNA found in prokaryotic nucleoids

Answer 1

Chromatin is the dynamic complex of DNA and associated proteins found in eukaryotic nuclei. It exists in two forms—euchromatin (loosely packed and transcriptionally active) and heterochromatin (tightly packed and transcriptionally inactive)—allowing regulation of gene expression and chromosome organisation.