Question

Differentiate between chromatin fibre and chromosomes.

Answer 1

Chromatin fibre and chromosomes:

1. Chromatin fibre is a complex of DNA and proteins that form chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
2. A chromosome is a thread-like self-replicating genetic structure that contains organized DNA molecules.

Difference between chromatin fibre and chromosomes:

S.No.	Chromatin fibre	Chromosome
1	During the interphase of the cell cycle, chromatin appears.	During metaphase, chromosomes appear and are present in anaphase of nuclear division.
2	It is composed of nucleosomes.	They are condensed into chromatin fibres.
3	It is a thin, long, uncoiled structure.	It is a compact, thick, ribbon-like structure.
4	They are single, unpaired fibres.	They exist as pairs.
5	It allows gene expression, DNA replication, and recombination.	No metabolic activity is shown.
6	It is an uncondensed form of deoxyribonucleoprotein chains.	It is a condensed form of deoxyribonucleoprotein chains.
7	By regulating gene expression, it is able to pack the genetic material into the nucleus.	This ensures the proper arrangement of genetic material in the cell equator to allow the genetic material to be evenly separated between the two cells.