Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid

Chromosome and Chromatid, both are the major components of DNA replication. A chromosome consists of the genetic material (DNA) and various proteins which is a double-stranded ribbon-like structure. Chromatids are identical copies of chromosomes that form during cell division and duplication. Chromosomes are generally found in the nucleus of a cell. Chromatids are the half of a duplicated chromosome. Two sister chromatids create a complete chromosome.

Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid

The below table lists the difference between chromosomes and chromatids:

Features	Chromosome	Chromatid
Composition	Composed of DNA and proteins.	Two identical copies of a chromosome formed during DNA replication.
Structure	Consists of a single DNA molecule—the DNA molecules tightly coiled around histone proteins.	Single-stranded DNA molecule. These two chromatids make a chromosome.
Chromosome Count	Each cell contains a specific number of chromosomes. It can be varied for different species.	The number of chromatids is double that of chromosomes during cell division.
Role and Responsibility	Exists independently. They carry genes for different traits.	Forms a new chromosome. They carry only identical genetic information.
Genetic Information	Transmits the genetic information to the offsprings.	Segregate the genetic materials during cell division.
Presence	Present in both body cells and reproductive cells.	Present only during cell division.
Visibility	Visible under the microscope during cell division.	Visible only when a chromosome is duplicated and forms a pair.
Replication Process	Replication process starts during the S phase.	Rresult of chromosome replication.
Genetic material exchange	Genetic material exchanges during meiosis through processes like crossing over.	Genetic material exchange between non-sister chromatids during meiosis of cell division.
Meiosis Phase	Homologous chromosomes pair during meiosis.	Non-sister chromatids creates pairs during meiosis.
Ploidy	Ploidy is the number of sets of chromosomes presen in a cell.	Relevant to chromatids during cell division.
Segregation Process	Segregate during cell division to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set or not.	Segregate during cell division to ensure the genetic continuity.
Role In Cell Division	Initiate cell division by aligning and segregating.	Direct role in the division process, separating and forming individual chromosomes.

What is a Chromosome?

Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins. These structures are found in the nucleus of cells in the cytoplasm. Chromosome carries genetic information and is important to transfer the traits from one generation to another. Humans generally have 23 pairs (46) of chromosomes, with one set inherited from each parent. Chromosomes play a major role in the process of cell division. It ensures that genetic materials are accurately distributed to daughter cells. Inaccurate distribution of chromosomes may lead to genetic disorders.

What is Chromatid?

Chromatids are the two identical copies or the identical half of DNA that can create a new replicated chromosome. During the cell division, each chromatid pulls the opposite poles of the cell. The process ensures the equal distribution of genetic material in the replication process. Chromatids are connected at a point called the centromere. The separation of chromatids format two new independent chromosomes in the daughter cells. Chromatids play a major role in maintaining the stability and integrity of genetic information.

Relation Between Chromosome and Chromatid

Chromatids and chromosomes are closely related to each other, based on cell division. Chromosomes are like instruction manuals for cells which contains the genetic informations. When a cell divide, chromosomes forms the identical copies of it, also known as chromatids. These chromatids ensures that each new cell gets a complete set of instructions.

FAQs on Chromosome and Chromatid

1. Is one Chromatid called a Chromosome?

No, chromatid cannot be called as chromosome. Chromatids are the half of a duplicated chromosome. Two sister chromatids create a complete chromosome.

2. Are Chromatids and DNA the same?

No, they are not same. DNA is a genetic material and each chromatid is a copy of DNA.

3. Are Chromatids now called Chromosomes?

No, chromatids are the individual DNA structures those develops into a full chromosome.

4. What is the difference between Chromatin Chromatid and Chromosome?

Chromatin is a complex DNA and protein structure that makes the genetic materials in the nucleus. Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins. Chromatid are the two identical copies of DNA those can crate a new replicated chromosome.

5. How many Chromatids are in a Chromosome?

There are two sister chromatids present in a chromosome.