What is the Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a chromosome and a chromatid lies in their structure and function. Here are the key differences:
- Definition: A chromosome is a DNA molecule that contains all or part of the genetic material of an organism. A chromatid is one copy of a newly copied chromosome, still attached to the original chromosome by a single centromere.
- Content: A chromosome consists of a single, double-stranded DNA molecule. A chromatid consists of two DNA strands joined together by their centromere.
- Homology: Homologous chromosomes are not identical, as they have different traits, with one copy of the gene coming from each parent. Homologous sister chromatids are identical, as each sister chromatid is an exact copy of the other.
- Stage of Appearance: Chromosomes appear in the M phase of the cell cycle, while chromatids appear in the interphase.
- Function: Chromosomes carry and distribute the genetic material. Chromatids are involved in metabolism and other cellular activities, allowing cells to duplicate.
- Structure: The chromosome has a thin, ribbon-like structure, while the chromatid has a thin, long, and fibrous structure.
- Condensation: Chromosomes are the most condensed form of DNA, with DNA being condensed 10,000 times to form a chromosome. Chromatids are less condensed, with an unraveled condensed structure of DNA, being condensed 50 times to form a chromatid.
- Occurrence: Chromosomes occur throughout the life cycle of cells, while chromatids are only created when the cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid? Comparative Table: Chromosome vs Chromatid
Comparative Table: Chromosome vs Chromatid
Here is a table summarizing the differences between chromosomes and chromatids:
Feature | Chromosome | Chromatid |
---|---|---|
Occurrence | Occurs throughout the cell's life cycle | Created only when the cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis |
Structure | Tightly packed DNA | Unwound DNA |
Exact copies | No, homologous chromosomes can have different forms of traits | Yes, each sister chromatid is an exact copy of each other |
Centromere | Yes | None, but sister chromatids have centromeres |
Function | Carries the genetic material | Enables cells to duplicate |
DNA usage | DNA is not being used during macromolecule synthesis | DNA is being used during macromolecule synthesis |
Chromosomes are thread-like structures present in the nucleus or nuclear region of the cytoplasm, made up of a single molecule of DNA tightly packed with histone proteins. Chromatids, on the other hand, are the two identical copies or halves of a replicated chromosome, formed during cell division. They are less condensed than chromosomes and have a thin, long fibrous structure.
Read more:
- Chromatin vs Chromatid
- Chromatin vs Chromosomes
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Homologous Chromosomes vs Sister Chromatids
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Chromatin Fiber vs Chromosome
- Plasmid vs Chromosome
- Autosomes vs Chromosomes
- Centromere vs Chromomere
- Sister vs Nonsister Chromatids
- Homologous vs Homeologous Chromosomes
- Male vs Female Chromosomes
- Interphase Chromatin vs Mitotic Chromosomes
- Chromatin vs Nucleosome
- Gene Mutation vs Chromosome Mutation
- Plasmid DNA vs Chromosomal DNA
- Centromere vs Kinetochore
- Centromere vs Telomere
- Metacentric vs Telocentric Chromosomes