Is chromatin the same as a chromosome?

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Accepted Answer

Chromatin and chromosome are two types of structures of the DNA double-helix with several differences between them.

Basis of differentiation 
Chromatin
Chromosome

Definition
Is one of the two identical halves of a chromosome that has been replicated in preparation for cell division 
Is a threadlike structure that carries the genetic information cells need to grow, thrive, and reproduce

Composition
Composed of nucleosomes – it is the unraveled condensed structure of DNA 
Composed of packaged proteins and DNA – the DNA is tightly coiled several times around histone proteins

Structure
Consists of 2 DNA strands joined together by their centromere
Consists of a single, double-stranded DNA molecule

Occurrence
Formed only when the cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis – occurs only in the interphase of the cell cycle
Occurs throughout the life cycle of the cell

Appearance
Appears as a thin, long, fibrous structure
Appears as a thick, compact, ribbon-like structure

Similarity
Sister chromatids are exact replicas of one another
Are not the exact copies of one another – one copy of the gene comes from each parent

Size
Approximately 10nm 
Approximately 1 to >20 μm

Type of microscope used for visualizing
Visualized under electron microscope
Visualized under light microscope

Pairing
Single, unpaired fibers
Exist as pairs

Order of hierarchy
Is a lower order of DNA organization 
Is the highest order of DNA organization

Extent of condensation
Condensed 50 times more than the normal DNA double helix
Condensed 10,000 times more than the normal DNA double helix

Metabolic activities
DNA Replication, RNA Synthesis
Does not exhibit any metabolic activity

Function
Packages DNA into the cell nucleus and facilitates DNA replication; Regulates gene expression
Carries the genetic material ; Compresses the DNA structure into a compact unit so it can fit in the nucleus; Ensures proper arrangement of genetic material in the cell equator so it can be distributed equally between the two daughter cells

Basis of differentiation	Chromatin	Chromosome
Definition	Is one of the two identical halves of a chromosome that has been replicated in preparation for cell division	Is a threadlike structure that carries the genetic information cells need to grow, thrive, and reproduce
Composition	Composed of nucleosomes – it is the unraveled condensed structure of DNA	Composed of packaged proteins and DNA – the DNA is tightly coiled several times around histone proteins
Structure	Consists of 2 DNA strands joined together by their centromere	Consists of a single, double-stranded DNA molecule
Occurrence	Formed only when the cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis – occurs only in the interphase of the cell cycle	Occurs throughout the life cycle of the cell
Appearance	Appears as a thin, long, fibrous structure	Appears as a thick, compact, ribbon-like structure
Similarity	Sister chromatids are exact replicas of one another	Are not the exact copies of one another – one copy of the gene comes from each parent
Size	Approximately 10nm	Approximately 1 to >20 μm
Type of microscope used for visualizing	Visualized under electron microscope	Visualized under light microscope
Pairing	Single, unpaired fibers	Exist as pairs
Order of hierarchy	Is a lower order of DNA organization	Is the highest order of DNA organization
Extent of condensation	Condensed 50 times more than the normal DNA double helix	Condensed 10,000 times more than the normal DNA double helix
Metabolic activities	DNA Replication, RNA Synthesis	Does not exhibit any metabolic activity
Function	Packages DNA into the cell nucleus and facilitates DNA replication; Regulates gene expression	Carries the genetic material ; Compresses the DNA structure into a compact unit so it can fit in the nucleus; Ensures proper arrangement of genetic material in the cell equator so it can be distributed equally between the two daughter cells

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