Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid

It’s very often that students skip on the basics of a topic, and jump to the more complex parts. This results in getting confused with the easiest of things related to the topic. To prevent this, below is a brief explanation of chromosomes and chromatids. Before learning the difference between chromosome and chromatid, it is important for you to learn- what they are. So, read below to do the same.

Chromosomes

Chromosomes are found in the cell nucleus. They are condensed structures made of DNA and proteins. The genetic information they carry is expressed in the form of genes. These help in essential processes like DNA replication, cell division, and inheritance. If there are any changes made to the chromosome's structure, it leads to genetic disorders. At times, the overall functioning of the cell is also affected. To view these, you can use different techniques like karyotyping. It helps to provide valuable information on the genetic makeup of any individual.

Chromatids

When a chromosome is found in the nucleus in a condensed and replicated form, it is termed a chromatid. When a cell undergoes cell division, chromosomes go ahead and replicate. In this process, two chromatids are formed and they are joined together through a structure called- centromere. The formation of chromatids from the chromosome usually occurs during S-phase in cell division. Thus, chromatids are very essential in carrying out cell division.

Chromatids carry the genetic information from the parent chromosome and ensure that the genetic material is accurately distributed to the daughter cells. When cell division reaches the anaphase stage, the chromatids again separate and form individual chromosomes.

Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid

Some terms in biology that sound the somewhat same, and are in the same section, become a nightmare for the NEET students. And two of these terms are- chromosome and chromatid. If you want to know the difference between chromosome and chromatid, check out the table below:

Similarities: Characteristics of Chromosome and Chromatid

When we talk about some similarities between chromosomes and chromatids, they are more than you’d imagine. And they are very useful when one wants to explain chromosome and chromatid. Will you like to learn some of them? Then read the points below:

1. Genetic Material: In chromosomes as well as chromatids, DNA is the genetic material. 

2. DNA Replication: While the cell is in the process of completing a cell cycle, both of them undergo DNA replication. 

3. Composed of DNA and Proteins: Chromatids and chromosomes are both composed of protein wrapped around the DNA molecules.

4. Formation during Cell Division: Both (chromatids and chromosomes) are formed during cell division.

5. Centromere Structure: A centromere is responsible for both attachment and separation in chromatids and chromosomes. 

6. Role in Cell Division: They both function to ensure the proper distribution of genetic material.

7. Association with Mitosis and Meiosis: Their involvement is present in both mitosis and meiosis (the two important cell division processes). 

8. Conservation of Genetic Information: The genetic information they carry is the same if the chromosome and chromatid both belong to the same human. 

9. Stability and Maintenance: Together, chromatids and chromosomes, play an important role in maintaining genetic stability and maintenance.

10. Subject to Genetic Variation: They are both capable of undergoing genetic variations. 

Conclusion

Chromosomes and chromatids are an essential part of genetics. The importance of their involvement in vital processes necessary for cell replication like mitosis and meiosis. There is an unmistakable difference between chromosome and chromatid but there are also similarities. The grounds for their differences are- structure, function, composition, cell cycle, formation, etc. Whereas they are similar on grounds like the structure of the centromere, genetic material, etc.