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Home » Science » Biology » Cell Biology » Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid
Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid
February 15, 2017 • by Lakna • 5 min read
Main Difference – Chromosome vs
Chromatid
DNA carries the genetic information of an individual through
its progeny. DNA exists in a doublestranded structure inside
the cell nucleus. Both these DNA strands are coiled together to
form a doublehelix. Chromosomes are the threadlike
structures which consist of a tightly coiled double stranded
DNA molecule around histone proteins; chromatid refers to
either of the two threadlike strands which a chromosome
divides longitudinally during the cell division. The key
difference between chromosome and chromatid is their structure; a chromosome has the most condensed structure
of DNA, whereas a chromatid has the unraveled condensed structure of DNA.
This article studies,
1. What is a Chromosome
– Definition, Characteristics, Classifications
2. What is a Chromatid
– Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the difference between Chromosome and Chromatid
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What is a Chromosome
A chromosome is a structure where DNA is packed into its highly condensed form. It consists of long DNA chains
which are associated with proteins. Most prokaryotes contain a freely floating, single, circular chromosome. It is
located at nucleoid. The prokaryotic chromosomes do not contain introns. Their genes are expressed as groups called
operons. Prokaryotes consist of histonelike proteins associated with their DNA. Other than that, bacteria contain
extrachromosomal elements called plasmids. In eukaryotes, chromosomes are located in the nucleus which is
enclosed by a separate membrane. DNA is tightly wound around histone proteins. Strands of DNA are about 150200
long and wrap twice around a core consisting of eight histone proteins. The structure is called a nucleosome. This
winding provides structural support and allows the control of gene activity.
In humans, 46 individual chromosomes are found: 22 pairs of autosomes and two sex chromosomes. A functional
chromosome has an origin of replication, centromere, and telomeres. Four chromosome types can be identified based
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on the centromere position. They are Telocentric, Acrocentric, Submetacentric and Metacentric chromosomes.
Nuclear division can be arrested at metaphase in order to study chromosomes. The process, where abnormalities of the
chromosomes are identified, is known as karyotyping.
Figure 1: Spectral karyotype
What is a Chromatid
A chromosome is composed of one DNA molecule. During
the S phase of the cell, DNA gets doubled in its amount in
order to enter the cell division. A new copy of a DNA
strand is formed based on the genetic information carried
by the existing strand. However, the number of
chromosomes within the cell remains the same. Thus, each
chromosome contains two copies of DNA strands. One of
the DNA strands in a chromosome is referred to as a
chromatid. Hence, a chromatid is a single DNA strand. It
has a threadlike structure and consist of chromatin fibers.
DNA wraps around proteins called histones and coil further
to form chromatid fibers.
The two chromatids found in a chromosome can be identified as a sister chromatid pair. Sister chromatid pairs are
joined together by the centromere. Sister chromatids are separated during anaphase. Anaphase is the third stage of the
Mphase of the cell cycle. Chromatids are found in their most condensed state at the anaphase. Separated sister
chromatids are then known as daughter chromosomes. Sister chromatids are identical in the information they carry.
Therefore, sister chromatids are considered as homozygous. However, mutations can occur during the replication. A
mutation in the newly formed strand thus makes sister chromatids heterozygous. Maternal and paternal homologous
chromosomes pair during sexual reproduction. This kind of a chromatid pair is referred to as nonsister chromatids.
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Figure 2: Macrostructure of DNA
Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid
Condensation
Chromosome: DNA is condensed 10, 000 times to form a chromosome. Thus, a chromosome is the most condensed
form of DNA
Chromatid: DNA is condensed 50 times to form a chromatid. Thus, a chromatid is less condensed than a
chromosome.
Content
Chromosome: A chromosome consists of a single, doublestranded DNA molecule.
Chromatid: A chromatid consists of two DNA strands joining together by their centromere.
Structure
Chromosome: A chromosome is a thin, ribbonlike structure.
Chromatid: A chromatid is a thin and long, fibrous structure.
Genetic Material
Chromosome: Homologous chromosomes are not identical. They might have different alleles of the same gene.
Chromatid: Homologous sister chromatids are identical.
Stage
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Chromosome: Chromosomes appear in M phase.
Chromatid: Chromatids appear in the interphase.
Function:
Chromosome: Chromosomes are involved in the distribution of genetic material.
Chromatid: Chromatids are involved in metabolism and other activities of the cell.
Conclusion
A chromosome consists of a single DNA molecule whereas a chromatid consists of two identical DNA strands joined
together by the centromere. Chromosomes generally participate in the distribution of genetic material at the nuclear
division. Chromatids participate in metabolism and regulation of gene expression. Nevertheless, DNA is condensed
10,000 times in a chromosome while it is condensed 50 times itself in a chromatid. Thus, the key difference between a
chromosome and a chromatid is in the level of condensation.
Reference:
1. Higgins, N. P., Chromosome Structure. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE SCIENCES. 2015
http://smcg.ccg.unam.mx/enpunam/03EstructuraDelGenoma/cromosomeStructure.pdf 08 Feb. 2017
2. “Chromosome”. National Human Genome Research institute. 08 Feb. 2017
https://www.genome.gov/26524120/chromosomesfactsheet/
Image Courtesy:
1. “Sky spectral karyotype” from National Human Genome Research Institute – Found on:National Human Genome
Research (USA) – copied from wikipedia:en. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “0321 DNA Macrostructure” By OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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About the Author: Lakna
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Lakna, a graduate in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, is a Molecular Biologist and has a
broad and keen interest in the discovery of nature related things
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