Question

What is the difference between chromosomes and chromatin?

Answer 1

Chromosome:

1. A chromosome is a highly condensed structure formed of chromatin threads.
2. Each chromatin thread is formed of DNA tightly coiled around proteins called histones.
3. The main function of the chromosomes is to carry the DNA and transfer the genetic information from parents to offspring.

Chromatin:

1. Chromatin is a DNA-protein complex that forms chromosomes in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
2. Chromatin makes it possible for a number of cell processes to occur including DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, and genetic recombination.

Chromosomes	Chromatin
Chromosomes are formed of hyper-condensed chromatin fibers.	Chromatin is composed of nucleosomes.
Thick, compact, structures formed of paired chromatids joined at the centromere.	Thin, long, uncoiled structure formed of several nucleosome molecules.
They form the natural state in which DNA exists in a cell.	They are found in the nucleoplasm only during cell division.
Chromosomes are paired.	Chromatin is single, unpaired fiber.