Question

Compare heterochromatin and euchromatin. What are the differences between them?

Short answer

Heterochromatin is densely packed and generally inactive, while euchromatin is lightly packed and typically active for transcription. Heterochromatin stains more intensely due to its structure.

Step-by-step solution

Define Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin is a densely packed form of DNA. Its tight configuration inhibits the transcription process as the genes in this region are generally inactive.

Define Euchromatin

Euchromatin is a lightly packed form of DNA. It is in this region where most of the transcription activity takes place because the genes are active and accessible.

Contrast Heterochromatin and Euchromatin

The primary differences between heterochromatin and euchromatin lie in their structure and function. Heterochromatin is highly condensed and transcriptionally silent, while euchromatin is less condensed and transcriptionally active. Another difference lies in their staining properties, with heterochromatin staining more intensely than euchromatin because of its tightly packed form.