How Do You Spell METACHROMATIN?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtət͡ʃɹˈə͡ʊmɐtˌɪn] (IPA)

Metachromatin is a term used in genetics and molecular biology, referring to a granular material observed in stained nuclei. The word "metachromatin" can be broken down into three syllables: meta-chro-ma-tin. The IPA phonetic transcription is /mɛtəkrəʊˈmætɪn/. The stress falls on the third syllable. The prefix "meta-" refers to something beyond or transcending, while "chromatin" refers to the complex of DNA and proteins that make up the chromosomes in cells. Therefore, the spelling of "metachromatin" refers to a material beyond the normal arrangement of chromatin in cells.

METACHROMATIN Meaning and Definition

1. Metachromatin is a term used in biology and cytopathology to describe a specific type of chromatin pattern that can be observed within the nucleus of a cell. It refers to a phenomenon where regions of chromatin exhibit a distinct color or staining pattern when exposed to certain dyes or stains. Typically, the staining of metachromatin is different from the surrounding chromatin or nuclear material, giving rise to a visibly contrasting pattern.

   The term "metachromatin" is derived from the prefix "meta-", meaning "change," and "chromatin," which refers to the material that makes up the chromosomes within a cell. Therefore, metachromatin can be understood as chromatin that undergoes a noticeable change in staining properties compared to the rest of the chromatin in the nucleus.

   The specific mechanism or nature of this color change in metachromatin is dependent on various factors, including the type of stain used, the characteristics of the chromatin itself, and the cellular context. However, it is generally believed that metachromatin represents regions of chromatin that are structurally different or possess unique chemical compositions compared to the surrounding chromatin.

   Metachromatin can be observed in various cell types, including both normal and abnormal cells. It is particularly useful in cytopathology and histopathology examinations, where the identification and characterization of different chromatin patterns contribute to the diagnosis and understanding of cellular processes and diseases.

2. The basophile constituent of nuclear chromatin.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METACHROMATIN

• metachromatic
• netachromatin
• ketachromatin
• jetachromatin
• mwtachromatin
• mstachromatin
• mdtachromatin
• mrtachromatin
• m4tachromatin
• m3tachromatin
• merachromatin
• mefachromatin
• megachromatin
• meyachromatin
• me6achromatin
• me5achromatin
• metzchromatin
• metschromatin
• metwchromatin
• metqchromatin

Etymology of METACHROMATIN

The word "metachromatin" is derived from two components: "meta-" and "chromatin".

1. "Meta-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "beyond" or "transformation". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology to indicate change or alteration.

2. "Chromatin" is a term derived from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". In biology, chromatin refers to the complex of DNA, RNA, and proteins that make up the chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. It is responsible for organizing and packaging the genetic material.

Therefore, "metachromatin" can be understood as a term indicating transformation or alteration of chromatin. It may refer to a modified or changed state of chromatin, such as during gene activation or in specific cellular conditions.