Heterochromatin is defined as the area of the chromosome which is darkly stained with a DNA specific stain and is in comparatively condensed form. Euchromatin is defined as the area of the chromosome which is rich in gene concentration and actively participates in the transcription process. It is found in the nucleus of eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes. To help you understand how they differ from each other, we have given the difference between Euchromatin and Heterochromatin.
Difference Between Euchromatin And Heterochromatin
| Properties | Euchromatin | Heterochromatin |
| Form | A loosely packed form of DNA | A tightly packed form of DNA |
| Heteropycnosis | Does not exhibit | Exhibits |
| DNA density | Low | High |
| Found | Prokaryotes as well as eukaryotes | Eukaryotes only |
| State | Active | Inactive |
| Replication | Early replicative | Late replicative |
| Sticky/Non-sticky | Regions are not sticky | Sticky regions |
| Presence | Inner body of the nucleus | The periphery of the nucleus |
| Activity | No or little transcriptional activity | Participate in the transcriptional activity |
These were some of the important difference between Euchromatin and Heterochromatin. To know more about their structure register to BYJU’S.
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