Question

differentiate chromosomes vs. chromatin, condensed vs. decondensed, and the occurrence of each within cell cycle

Answer 1

Difference between chromosome and chromatin -

Chromatin and chromosomes both are structurs of DNA, but chromosomes are condensed chromatin. DNA exists chromatin majority of the time so that the DNA is accesible to proteins for transcription and proteins can be made during the process of translation. Chromatin is condensed into chromosomes during mitosis to ensure that replicated genetic information. is divided equally between the two resulting daughter cells.

chromatin is DNA coiled into units called nucleosomes. DNa is made accesible to transcription proteins through enzymatic modification and chromatin remodelling. Chromosomes ar even more tightly coiled than chromatin and are condensed into supercoils. In order for DNA to be condensed into chromatin and chromatin to be condensed into chromosomes, proteins called histones coiled the DNA.The histone protein provide energy necessary for compaction and serve as structures for DNA to coil around. The energy provide for positively charged histone results from electrostatic interactions with negatively charged DNA.

chromatin are found throughout the cell cycle while chromosomes are visible during cell divisions (metaphase, anaphase) as highly condensed structures.

Difference between condensed and decondensed -

chromosomes are super condensed DNA while chromatin contains thousands of genes in uncondensed form.