Euchromatin and Heterochromatin
Euchromatin and Heterochromatin

Euchromatin and Heterochromatin

The DNA in the nucleus exists in two forms that reflect the level of activity of the cell. Heterochromatin appears as small, darkly staining, irregular particles scattered throughout the nucleus or accumulated adjacent to the nuclear envelope. Euchromatin is dispersed and not readily stainable. Euchromatin is prevalent in cells that are active in the transcription of many of their genes while heterochromatin is most abundant in cells that are less active or not active.