Chromatin

Chromatin is a complex of macromolecules found in cells, consisting of DNA, protein, and RNA.The primary functions of chromatin are

1. To package DNA into a more compact, denser shape

2. To reinforce the DNA macromolecule to allow mitosis

3. To prevent DNA damage, and 4) to control gene expression and DNA replication.

The primary protein components of chromatin are histones that compact the DNA. Chromatin is only found in eukaryotic cells.