Difference between Chromatin and Chromosomes


Introduction

Chromatin refers to a lower order in terms of DNA while chromosomes have a higher order in the organization process of DNA. Chromatin has a complex structure that is made up of DNA as well as proteins. It is mainly seen in the eukaryotic cell. A chromosome is mainly composed of the help of packaged proteins, and DNA along with exhibit genetic information.

What is Chromatin: Structure and features

Chromatin refers to a complex number of macromolecules that are composed of DNA, RNA, as well as protein. Its structure depends on the phases of the cycle of the cell and several structural changes can be seen during the division of the cell. Its structure is seen clearly with a light microscope in metaphase and the changes of shape have happened during the supplication of DNA, while it is divided into cells.

  • Chromatin is an important component of cells that is mainly responsible for DNA packaging in a double helix.

  • It is very helpful in the avoidance of engagement of DNA and in protecting DNA from all types of damage as well as replication of DNA.

  • It is found within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. It exists in two different forms heterochromatin as well as euchromatin.

  • It prevents the damage to DNA and it is tightly packed with DNA for fitting into a cell.

  • It controls the replication of DNA along with the expression of genes. It supports the molecule of DNA for permitting the procedure of cell cycle like meiosis as well as mitosis.

What is Chromosomes: Structure and Features

Chromosomes refer to an improved form that is made of condensed form chromatin fibbers. The human body includes 46 chromosomes of which 4 are sex chromosomes that are responsible for determining the sex of a baby. The structure of a chromosome is like a thread that is present in the nucleus of each cell.

  • Chromosomes are responsible for carrying genetic information.

  • It plays a significant role in the division of the cell, variation, mutation as well as heredity. Another important function of this element is to repair or regenerate cells.

  • Chromosomes have some significant parts that are responsible to convert genetic elements from one generation to another generation.

  • It is responsible for the protection of tangled or DNA.

  • Histone, as well as non-histone proteins, is generally seen in chromosomes that are very helpful in the regulation of gene expression.

  • A spindle is a type of fibre attached to chromosomes that is very helpful in chromosome movement during the time of the division of a cell.

  • Every chromosome contains numerous genes that are helpful for precise code in several proteins that exist within a body.

Comparison of Chromatin with Chromosomes

The comparison of chromatin with chromosomes is based on several factors like stricture, composition, appearances as well as pairing methods.

Basis

Chromatin

Chromosomes

Definition

Chromatin refers to a complex formed with the help of histones packaging through the double helix of DNA.

Its structural entity is nucleosomes and its size is around 10nm.

Chromosomes refer to a protein structure along with nucleic acid that is commonly found in living cells that carry genetic pieces of information.

Its structural entity is chromatin fibres and its size is around 1 to >20μm.

Structure

Chromatin is mainly composed of different nucleosomes.

Molecular chromatin generally does not contain any kind of gene that refers to protein code.

Chromosomes are composed of a condensed form of chromatin fibres.

It comprises a code for proteins.

Chromosomes do not contain D-Nucleotides

Appearance

The appearance of it is generally thin, and long. It is uncoiled in structure.

It is generally thick in form and compact. Its structure is like a ribbon.

Pairing method

It is generally unpaired and it is genetically inherited where chromatin does not present.

It is paired with other elements. It can be inherited from the side of the maternal part.

Presence

This element is present throughout the cycle of the cell.

Chromosomes are present only at the time of the division of the cell.

Metabolism

The replication of DNA and the synthesis process of RNA consist of chromatin.

Any kind of metabolic activity cannot be seen in chromosomes.

Visualization

It is visualised with the help of an electron microscope.

It is visualised with the help of a light microscope.

Conclusion

Chromatin along with chromosomes refers to the type of structure with a double-helix appearance of DNA in the various stages of a cell. The principal objective of chromatin is to pack a double-helix appearance of DNA within the nucleus of the cell by histone proteins. The principal objective of chromosomes is ensuring the process of separation of a double genetic element, which is seen between two different daughter cells. The basic difference between these two elements is based on their density as well as their functions in the time of the cycle of a cell.

FAQs

Qns 1. What are the similarities between chromatin and chromosome?

Ans. Chromatin along with chromosomes is sometimes connected with histone proteins and both these elements comprise DNA. Chromatin along with chromosomes comprises all times of genetic materials of a particular cell. These two types of structure are present in during the division of cells.

Qns 2. What is called the synthesis process of RNA?

Ans. It is a process of transcription where gene codons are copied into the polymerase of RNA. It created copies of RNA for use within cells.

Qns 3. What is called replication of DNA?

Ans. It is a process through which all the genetic pieces of information are transmitted from the parent cell to a daughter cell. All the genetic material is dominated after it is developed.

Updated on: 13-Dec-2023

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