Portion of genomic DNA which is highly stained because of high condensation. The heterochromatin is transcriptionally inactive and often contains large amounts of highly repeated DNA (satellite DNA).
The highly condensed region of chromatin present during interphase. Chromosomes in this region are transcriptionally inactive.
Regions of chromosomes that stain darkly even during interphase; thought to be for the most part genetically inactive. cf euchromatin.
Regions of chromosomes that stain darkly under analysis and are thought to contain repetitive and inactive DNA.
Highly condensed DNA thought to be transcriptionally innactive.
Chromatin that is relatively condensed and is thought to contain DNA that is not being transcribed.
During the stages of interphase and nuclear division, the chromosomal regions are condensed; an abnormal pattern of staining is evident with heterochromatin.
Chromosomal material which is condensed and genetically inactive during interphase. It consists of repetitive DNA sequences which are relatively rich in AT base pairs and is late replicating in the cell cycle. In metaphase chromosomes it is dark staining with G- and C- banding (see 'euchromatin').
Chromatin that retains its coiling during interphase; generally not transcribed. (Contrast with euchromatin.)
Regions of chromatin that remain highly condensed and transcriptionally inactive during interphase.
chromatin that remains tightly coiled and darkly staining throughout the cell cycle
regions of the genome that are in a highly condensed state and are not usually transcribed. Constitutive hetereochromatin is always in this condensed, inactive state, contains no genes, and is usually found at the centromeres and teleomeres. Facultative heterochromatin is condensed only in certain cell types, or at certain developmental stages when the genes contained in it need to be turned off. Return to text.
The compact, gene-poor regions of a chromosome. They contain many repeated sequences.
Genetically inert or inactive regions of the chromosomes.
