What is the difference between chromatin and a chromosome?

The difference between chromatin and chromosome can be highlighted when using the analogy of a wool. Chromatin is the unwound wool pile of wool where as chromosomes are the tightly wound and condensed wool ball. In chromosomes the DNA is wound around nuclear proteins, histones which allow the DNA to be condensed. Chromatin is the form of DNA in the interphase, whereas chromosomes only appear during mitosis.

FB
Answered by Francesca B. Biology tutor

7058 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the passive transport mechanisms across a cell membrane, differentiating between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.


Explain how skeletal muscle contracts.


Draw the structure of a cell membrane (6 marks).


What is the probability of offspring (both male and female) being affected by haemophilia if both parents are unaffected?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning