What characterizes euchromatin in terms of its structure?

Euchromatin is characterized by being less compact and more accessible for transcription. This structural property allows for the active expression of genes, as the less dense packing of DNA facilitates the binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase to the DNA. The open conformation of euchromatin is crucial for transcriptional activity, enabling genes located in these regions to be readily transcribed into RNA.

In contrast, highly compacted forms of chromatin, such as heterochromatin, are generally associated with inactive or silent genes, as they restrict access to the DNA for transcription machinery. Furthermore, euchromatin is not limited to any specific cell type; it can be found in both dividing and non-dividing cells. It is also not exclusive to active genes, as regulatory regions of inactive genes can still reside in euchromatin, exemplifying its diverse role in gene regulation and accessibility. Thus, the major distinction of euchromatin lies in its functional and structural properties that promote gene expression.