MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Chromatin refers to a mixture of DNA and proteins that form the chromosomes found in the cells of humans and other higher organisms. Many of the proteins-namely, histones-package the massive amount of DNA in a genome into a highly compact form that can fit in the cell nucleus.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -In interphase (nondividing) cells, most of the chromatin (called euchromatin) is relatively decondensed and distributed throughout the nucleus (Figure 4.11). During this period of the cell cycle, genes are transcribed and the DNA is replicated in preparation for cell division.