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Biology / Unit 2   Bio 0265 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Chromatin and Chromosomes

Captions available

The idea

A chromosome is a DNA-containing nuclear structure; chromatin is that same material, DNA bound to protein, condensed or loosely unwound.

In practice

A human cell's 46 chromosomes look distinct only when the cell readies to divide; otherwise they exist as decondensed chromatin.

Where people slip

Chromatin and chromosome name one material at different packing states, not two substances.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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