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AAT Bioquest

What is the relationship between chromatin and chromosomes?

Posted February 1, 2024


Answer

Chromatin is the combination of DNA strands wrapped around proteins known as histones. Each DNA molecule wrapped around these histone proteins is what's referred to as a chromosome. Chromosomes are highly condensed structures composed of chromatin that contain the genetic information necessary for the cell's functioning and inheritance. In simpler terms, chromatin is the material that chromosomes are made of, with chromosomes being the condensed and organized form of chromatin.

Additional resources

Chromatin

Cell Structures and Organelles

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