Chromatin: Types of chromatin Chromatin In non-dividing cells, the DNA exists as chromatin and appears uncoiled and randomly dispersed After DNA replication (S phase) the chromatin begins to condense in preparation for mitosis Chromatin consists of 50% DNA, 50% proteins, mainly histones Chromatin is the structure that the eukaryotic genome is packaged into It allows long molecules of DNA to fit into the small volume of the nucleus The basic structural unit of chromatin is the nucleosome Further folding and compaction of chromatin produces visible metaphase chromosomes during cell division Heterochromatin vs Euchromatin Euchromation Active Chromatin The majority of chromatin is this form Less condensed, lightly packed in the nucleus (basic ?beads on a string? form ?check)