Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid

Introduction

The difference between chromosome and chromatid relates to the functionality in the material of generations and the cells that can be duplicated accordingly. The differentiation can be obtained with the Chromatids that are connected with the centromere. Additionally, the distinctions can be referred to as managed with the procedure where the DNA replication to the synthesis process can be observed.

What is a Chromosome: Definition, Structure, and Characteristics

Chromosome refers to the genetic material that holds all the features and traits of any organism. The word chromosome was extracted from the Greek word Chroma and Soma those have been translated, respectively, to colour and body. A chromosome can be referred to as a structure where DNA is compacted into its positively condensed form. Additionally, chromosomes are referred to as containing the different DNA chains where the proteins are associated with them.

• Every human being contains chromosomes of 23 pairs where 22 pairs are referred to as autosomes and there is an existing pair of sex chromosomes.

• In biology, a chromosome referred to a regulated network that is accountable for the genetic diversity between organisms that are sexually reproducing.

• Additionally, it has been observed that in the case of the equal genetic material the chromosomes are transferred to the daughter cells. During the process of sexual reproduction, genetic variability is carried out by the crossing process over during meiosis.

• The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells referred to the different chromosomal containing coding and non-coding. DNA methylation in both chromosomes is accountable for the activation of the structure of DNA.

• Additionally, it has been observed that the eukaryotic chromosomes are disconnected from the nuclear membrane; whereas, the prokaryotic chromosomes do not contain a nucleus and are directly in contact with the cytoplasm.

What is a Chromatid: Definition, Structure and Characteristics

A chromatid refers to one of the two same-looking halves of a chromosome that contain a replicated form in the preparation for the division of cells during DNA formation. This incident is referred to as two sister chromatids, and these are connected by the constricted region of the chromosome that is also comprehended as the centromere.

• During the process of cell separation, spindle, fibres are attached to the centromere and pulled from each of the sister's chromatids.

• The process of cell replication is an essential factor during the stage of development and for the replacing cells that are injured and cannot be rebuilt.

• A good illustration of this is that when the cells that are in position when an individual gets a wound on the skin and the wound later healed. The new cells are exact copies of the old cells made proof of the DNA cell replication process. The copied cells of the chromosome are referred to as the Chromatids that contain a special structure that can be connected to the cells in the procedure of the separation into new daughter cells.

Difference between Chromosome and Chromatid

Chromosome and Chromatids are essential factors for living, DNA replication, and cell divisions; however, there are some differences between them.

The following table explains the differences between Chromatids and Chromosome −

Chromosome	Chromatids
The function of chromosomes is to carry the genetic material.	The function of Chromatids is to permit the cells to duplicate.
A chromosome occurs during the life cycle of cells.	A chromatic is created due to the cell passing through the stages of mitosis.
Chromosomes are not identical copies of each other.	Sister Chromatids are identical copies of each other.
Chromosomes have centromeres.	It is the Sister Chromatids only who have centromeres.
DNA is utilised during macromolecule synthesis.	DNA is not employed during macromolecule synthesis.
Chromosomes usually occur in M shape.	Chromatids usually occurred in interphase.
Chromosomes have a ribbon-like structure	Chromatids have a long fibrous structure.

Comparison between Chromosomes and Chromatin

Chromosome is often defined as a thread-like structure that can be found in the cellular living organisms' genetic material. DNA plays an essential role in heredity as the trait of the offspring.

The followings represent the comparison between chromosomes and Chromatids −

• Chromosomes contain the genetic material DNA whereas; Chromatids assist the cells in cell division and their duplication procedure.

• The chromosome is available by the whole cell life cycle; however, the Chromatids are only constructed during the process of cell division.

• Chromosomes are not the copies of each other, however, the sister chromosomes are connected to the Chromatids.

Conclusion

Chromatid is considered as a half of the chromosome that has been replicated. The replication of the chromosome made the same copies of the cell for the process of centromeres. Chromatids referred to the connected cells that are also known as the sister chromatids that have been disconnected from each other. Additionally, a copy of an individual chromosome is inherited from a male parent and a female parent and this justifies the trait features that their offspring exhibits.

FAQs

Qns 1. What are the essential differences between chromosomes and chromatids?

Ans. The differences between Chromatids and chromosomes are obtained from shape to formation. Both have different types of shapes included in their body. Additionally, both of the factors are regarded as the development of the copied structure. The process of cell replication develops Chrmotids and they are exact copies of each other. Contradictorily, chromosomes are associated with the DNA formation procedure.

Qns 2. What are the similarities between chromosomes and chromatids?

Ans. Both chromosomes and chromatids are similar to each other in different procedures, where both of them formed due to the DNA molecules. Both have the tendency of containing the histone proteins that are connected with them. Both of them have been involved with the mitosis separation of cells.

Qns 3. What is the importance of chromosomes and chromatids?

Ans. Both Chromatids and chromosomes have a significant role in human development where cell division is a vital process for living. Additionally, the requirement of DNA replication is an essential factor for the development of the life cycle.