Chromatin is a complex of DNA and protein responsible for condensing and packaging chromosomal DNA. Chromatin is found in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. This article deals almost exclusively with eukaryotic chromatin.

Eukaryotic chromatin consists primarily of DNA associated with histone proteins and numerous other chromatin-binding factors that contribute to genome organization and regulation. Chromatin packages long DNA molecules into compact structures while controlling access to genetic information for processes such