Basis of Differentiation | Chromosome | Chromatid |
Definition | A chromosome is a DNA molecule that has all or part of the genetic material of an organism. | A chromatid is one copy of a newly copied chromosome. It is still attached to the original chromosome by a single centromere. |
Content | A chromosome consists of a single, double-stranded DNA molecule. | A chromatid consists of two DNA strands joined together by their centromere. |
Structure | Its structure is thin and ribbon-like. | Its structure is thin, long, and fibrous. |
Condensation | A chromosome is the most condensed form of DNA. DNA is condensed 10,000 times to form a chromosome. | A chromatid is less condensed. It has an unraveled condensed structure of DNA. DNA is condensed 50 times to form a chromatid. |
Occurrence | Chromosomes occur throughout the life cycle of cells. | Chromatids are only created when the cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis. |
Genetic material/ identical – non-identical | Homologous chromosomes are not identical. They have differenttraits as one copy of the gene comes from each parent. | Homologous sister chromatids are identical. Each sister chromatid is an exact copy of the other. |
Stage of appearance | Chromosomes appear in M phase. | Chromatids appear in the interphase. |
Function | Chromosomes carry and distribute the genetic material. | Chromatids are involved in metabolism and other cellular activities, allow cells to duplicate |
Macromolecule Synthesis | DNA is not used. | DNA is used. |