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

8343 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.


Prior to cell division, cells replicate. Explain the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes.


Describe the structure of proteins


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


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