Difference between Chromosome and Chromatin || Chromosome vs Chromatin 8 Differences

Both are chemically same, but represent different structural states of the same genetic material, depending on the stage of the cell cycle.

Chromatin is the relaxed, thread-like form of DNA found in the nucleus, while chromosomes are the highly condensed chromatin, organized structures of DNA visible during cell division.

Chromatin	Chromosome
Chromatin is the relaxed, thread-like form of DNA found in the nucleus	Chromosomes are the highly condensed, organized structures of DNA visible during cell division.
Condensation level: - lower-order organization of DNA	Most condensed form of DNA
Appearance: Thin, long thread-like fibers spread throughout the nucleus	Thick, rod-shaped structures seen under a microscope during mitosis/meiosis
Cell cycle stage: Present during Interphase (the phase where the cell is growing and DNA is replicating).	Present during Cell Division (Mitosis or Meiosis).
Functions: Allows transcription, replication, and gene regulation	Ensures accurate segregation or physical separation of genetic material into daughter cells
Chemically: DNA + histone proteins + non-histone proteins + with some RNA (involved in transcription or gene regulation).	DNA + histone proteins + non-histone proteins + with very little RNA
Metabolic state: Highly active; DNA is accessible for making RNA or transcription with access to enzymes	Metabolically inactive; DNA is tightly packed and cannot be transcribed.
Visibility: Not visible as distinct units under a light microscope. A loose, "beads-on-a-string" structure under electron microscope	Clearly visible as distinct units under a light microscope.