BASIS FOR

HETEROCHROMATIN EUCHROMATIN
COMPARISON

Meaning The tightly packed form of DNA The loosely packed form
in the chromosome is called as of DNA in the
heterochromatin. chromosome is called as
euchromatin.

DNA density High DNA density. Low DNA density.

Kind of stain Stained dark. Lightly stained.

Where they are These are found at the periphery These are found in the
present of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells inner body of the nucleus
only. of prokaryotic as well as
in eukaryotic cells.

Transcriptional They show little or no They actively participate

activity transcriptional activity. in the process of
transcription.

Other features They are compactly coiled. They are loosely coiled.

They are late replicative. They are early replicative.

Regions of heterochromatin are Regions of euchromatin

sticky. are non-sticky.

Genetically inactive. Genetically active.

Phenotype remains unchanged Variation may be seen,

of an organism. due to the affect in DNA
during the genetic
process.
 BASIS FOR
HETEROCHROMATIN EUCHROMATIN
COMPARISON

It permits the gene expression It results in genetic

regulation and also maintains variations and permits
the structural integrity of the the genetic transcription.
cell.