Final answer:
Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) adds acetyl groups to histones, causing chromatin to loosen and increasing the rate of transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) is an enzyme that adds acetyl groups to histones, which are proteins that help organize and package DNA in the cell's nucleus. When acetyl groups are added to histones, the chromatin, which is the complex of DNA and histones, loosens, allowing for increased access to the genes and resulting in an increase in the rate of transcription. This means that the DNA is more accessible for transcription factors and RNA polymerase to bind and initiate the process of gene expression.