Do you want to know about Chromatin and chromosomes? We will help you to know the key differences with definitions of both terms.

All human beings are made up of cells. Chromatin is basically a DNA in the nucleus which is the uncondensed form of chromosomes. In the nucleus, the DNA double helix is packaged by special proteins to form a complex called chromatin. The chromatin undergoes further condensation to form the chromosome.

In the nucleus, the DNA double helix is packaged by special proteins to form a complex called chromatin. The chromatin undergoes further condensation to form the chromosome.

You need to understand the basics of both the terms first, before getting into the difference between them.

Chromatin

Chromatin is a type of structure possessed by the DNA double-helix in eukaryotes. It consists of DNA, protein and RNA. The main purpose of chromatin is the easy package into the cell nucleus.

In addition to packaging, chromatin regulates the gene expression and allows DNA replication. It also prevents DNA damage. The proteins bind with the DNA strand is his tones.

Chromosome

The highest condensed structure of the DNA double-helix with proteins is known as chromosomes. Some genomes contain more than one set of chromosomes. Several copies of the same chromosome are known as homologous chromosome pairs.

The human body contains individual 46 chromosomes in the genome. Twenty two homologous pairs of autosomes and two sex chromosomes are included in this.

The major differences between chromatin and chromosomes are given below.

Definition

In the nucleus, the DNA double helix is packaged by special proteins called histones to form a complex called chromatin whereas the chromatin undergoes further condensation to form the chromosome.

Structure

Chromatins are composed of nucleosomes a complex of DNA and proteins represent DNA folded on nucleoproteins by a magnitude of 50. The chromatin fiber is app. 10 nm in diameter on the other hand chromosomes are condensed Chromatin Fibers. They are a higher order of DNA organization, where DNA is condensed at least by 10,000 times onto itself.

Pairs

Chromatin is unpaired while chromosome is paired.

Appearance

Chromatin Fibers are long and thin. They are uncoiled structures found inside the nucleus while chromosomes are compact,thick and ribbon-like. These are coiled structures seen prominently during cell division.

Visualization

Visualization of chromatins is done by Electron microscope where as chromosomes are visualized by Light microscope.