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

7064 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a nerve impulse passes along a non-myelinated neuron


Discuss the ethical issues of IVF in humans


Explain the role of enzymes in the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes


Analyze the changes in concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide using historical records.


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