The chromatin is a condensed form of the genetic information of eukaryotic cells, formed as a complex of DNA and proteins.

Functions of Chromatin

  1. It organizes and compacts DNA. The normal human DNA is about 1.8-2 meters long which would not be able to fit into the nucleus of the cell without proper packaging.
  2. It restricts the accessibility of the genome. Chromatin is one of the most important parts of gene expression regulation as the binding of the DNA to histones prevents binding of transcription factors to DNA and inhibits transcription
  3. Chromatin regulators alter the accessibility of the genome. Binding of other proteins (not including histones) to the Chromatin can either increase or decrease or completely stop transcription of the DNA

Levels of Chromatin Organisation

There are three levels of chromatin organization

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