chromatin

Chromatin is a complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Nuclear DNA does not appear in free linear strands; it is highly condensed and wrapped around nuclear proteins in order to fit inside the nucleus.

Chromatin exists in two forms. One form, called euchromatin, is less condensed and can be transcribed. The second form, called heterochromatin, is highly condensed and is typically not transcribed.

Under the microscope in its extended form, chromatin looks like beads on a string. The beads are called nucleosomes. Each nucleosome is composed of DNA wrapped around eight proteins called histones. The nucleosomes are then wrapped into a 30 nm spiral called a solenoid, where additional histone proteins support the chromatin structure. During cell division, the structure of the chromatin and chromosomes are visible under a light microscope, and they change in shape as the DNA is duplicated and separated into two cells.