Chromosome and Chromatid: What is the Difference?
Genetics is an essential component of biology for NEET, and the terminology related to genetics is equally important. Some of these are genetic materials like chromosomes and chromatids. Have you come across them yet? They can be pretty confusing, and hard to differentiate. So, how to make it easier? By learning the difference between chromosome and chromatid from the article below. Not only that but you will also have access to information related to similarities between the two. So, what are you waiting for? Get, set, go, now!
What is Chromosome and Chromatid?
It is very common that students miss out on the fundamentals of a concept and directly move towards the complex parts. That makes them get confused with the most basic concepts of the subject. To avoid this situation, below is a brief explanation of chromosomes and chromatids. Before you read about the difference between chromosome and chromatid, you should know what they are. So, read below to do the same.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are located within the cell nucleus and consist of tightly packed structures formed from DNA and proteins. They carry genetic information, which is represented in the form of genes. These genes play a crucial role in important processes such as DNA replication, cell division, and inheritance. Any alterations in the structure of chromosomes can result in genetic disorders, and sometimes, they can also impact the overall functioning of the cell. Various techniques, such as karyotyping, can be employed to observe these changes, providing valuable insights into an individual’s genetic composition.
Chromatids
When a chromosome is present in the nucleus in a condensed and duplicated state, it is referred to as a chromatid. During cell division, chromosomes undergo replication, resulting in the formation of two chromatids that are linked together by a structure known as the centromere. This process of forming chromatids from chromosomes typically takes place during the S phase of cell division.
Chromatids are crucial for facilitating cell division, as they carry genetic information from the parent chromosome and ensure the accurate distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells. As the cell division process progresses to the anaphase stage, the chromatids separate once more, becoming individual chromosomes.
Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid
Some of the terminologies in the biology are somehow identical and sound approximately the same. And if those terminologies are present in a single chapter and become a nightmare to the NEET students. And two of those terms are- chromosome and chromatid. If you want to know the difference between chromosome and chromatid, have a look at the table below:
| S.No. |
Category |
Chromosome |
Chromatid |
| 1 | Structure | Whole (structures) | Partial (structures) |
| 2 | Cell Cycle | Usually found in non-dividing cells | Their formation takes place during the process of cell division |
| 3 | Composition | Comprises of a singular DNA molecule | Comprises of DNA molecules that are replicated |
| 4 | Formation | Formed by condensation of chromatin | Derived from replicated chromosomes |
| 5 | Presence | Present in both somatic and germ cells | Present only during specific cell stages |
| 6 | Function | Involved in genetic inheritance | Facilitate genetic material distribution |
| 7 | Genetic Information | Carry genes | Carry genetic information |
| 8 | Number | Vary in number among different species | Occur in pairs or multiple copies |
| 9 | Genetic Variation | Responsible for genetic variation | Ensure faithful DNA transmission |
| 10 | Recombination | May undergo recombination | Do not undergo recombination |
| 11 | Visualization | Can be visualised through karyotyping | Not directly visible through techniques |
| 12 | DNA Replication | Formed during DNA replication | Their formation occurs in cell division’s S phase |
| 14 | Size | Can vary in size | Generally smaller in size |
| 15 | Timing | Present throughout the cell cycle | Present only during specific cell stages |
| 16 | Genetic Inheritance | Inherited from parents | Passed on during cell division |
| 17 | Alignment during Cell Division | Align on the metaphase plate | Separate during anaphase of cell division |
| 18 | Role in Genetic Stability | Essential for maintaining stability | Ensure proper distribution of DNA |
Similarities: Characteristics of Chromosome and Chromatid
When discussing the similarities between chromosomes and chromatids, you’ll find that there are more than you might expect. These similarities can be quite helpful when explaining the concepts of chromosomes and chromatids. Would you like to discover some of these? If so, take a look at the points below.
- Genetic Material: In chromosomes as well as chromatids, DNA is the genetic material.
- DNA Replication: While the cell is in the process of completing a cell cycle, both of them undergo DNA replication.
- Composed of DNA and Proteins: Chromatids and chromosomes are both composed of protein wrapped around the DNA molecules.
- Formation during Cell Division: Both (chromatids and chromosomes) are formed during cell division.
- Centromere Structure: A centromere is responsible for both attachment and separation in chromatids and chromosomes.
- Role in Cell Division: They both function to ensure the proper distribution of genetic material.
- Association with Mitosis and Meiosis: Their involvement is present in both mitosis and meiosis (the two important cell division processes).
- Conservation of Genetic Information: The genetic information they carry is the same if the chromosome and chromatid both belong to the same human.
- Stability and Maintenance: Together, chromatids and chromosomes play an important role in maintaining genetic stability and maintenance.
- Subject to Genetic Variation: They are both capable of undergoing genetic variations.
Conclusion
Chromosomes and chromatids play a crucial role in genetics, especially in key processes required for cell replication, such as mitosis and meiosis. While there is a clear distinction between chromosomes and chromatids, they also share certain similarities. The differences between them can be attributed to factors like structure, function, composition, the cell cycle, and formation. Conversely, they are similar in aspects such as the structure of the centromere and the genetic material they contain.
