Describing DNA or chromosomal regions that are tightly packed and genetically inactive, appearing darker under a microscope.
From Greek hetero- (different) + chroma (color) + -atic (relating to). Genetics term from early 1900s cytology describing different staining patterns in chromosomes.
Heterochromatin is like the junk drawer of your DNA—it's not completely useless but stays tightly sealed away and doesn't make proteins, yet it plays crucial roles in chromosome structure and silencing genes you don't need.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.