What is the difference between chromatid and chromatin?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the distinctions between chromatids and chromatin, which are both forms of genetic material found in cells. Chromatids refer to the individual halves of a duplicated chromosome, while chromatin is the uncondensed form of DNA present in the nucleus during interphase. The question seeks a biological explanation of their differences.
Answer
Chromatin is DNA + proteins; chromatids are identical strands of a chromosome.
Chromatin is a substance consisting of DNA and proteins found in the cell nucleus, while chromatids are the two identical strands that form when a chromosome splits during cell division.
Answer for screen readers
Chromatin is a substance consisting of DNA and proteins found in the cell nucleus, while chromatids are the two identical strands that form when a chromosome splits during cell division.
More Information
Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes during cell division, and chromosomes then split into chromatids. Each new cell receives one chromatid, which becomes an individual chromosome.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing chromatids with chromatin because of their similar names and related functions in cell division.
