2007-10-21 05:34:24 · 4 answers · asked by Mercedes16_90!! 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Chromatin is _not_ a protein.
Chromatin is a complex element formed by DNA and special proteins (mainly histones, but there are other proteins too).
DNA stores the genetic information that is essential for living beings to function, and which is passed on in each cell division to the daughter cells, and eventually, to the offspring of an individual.
The function of chromatin in any cell (plant, animal, or other) is to store, supply and transmit this heritable information.
Normally chromatin is "relaxed", and the DNA strand is coiled around the proteins, looking like miniature beads-on-a-string. The more "loose" parts are the active DNA segments that are actually being transcribed as genes to produce proteins.
In contrast, during cell division chromatin is concentrated into tightly packed units, which are usually V- or X-shaped. These are the chromosomes, no more and no less than condensed chromatin; they conveniently keep the DNA as tight "genetic information packages" during the complex process of the distribution of genetic information between daughter cells.
Here's more information:
http://www.ns.msu.edu/genetics/ResearchAreas/chromatinstructure.htm
2007-10-21 16:16:15 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a cell is getting ready to divide, the DNA needs to be packaged neatly so that it can be properly distributed between the two daughter cells. First, the DNA replicates, resulting in two complete sets of DNA. AFTER THAT, the chromatin comes into play.
Chromatin is basically a protein that the cell uses to coil the DNA into compact "packages" which we call chromosomes. Unlike the uncoiled DNA, you can see stained chromosomes under a normal microscope. And, unlike the uncoiled DNA, chromosomes can easily be handled by the cell during cell division. The spindle fibers pull each separate set of chromosomes towards opposite ends of the cell, and then a new cell membrane and cell wall (in plants) forms in the middle. Then, the chromosomes "unwind" as the new cells settle into normal mode.
2007-10-21 06:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by M D 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chromatin makes up chromosomes.
Chromosomes contain genetic information to be passed on.
2007-10-21 05:43:28 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-24 00:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋