Chromatin vs. Nucleosome — What's the Difference?

Chromatin is a complex of DNA, protein and RNA found in eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is packaging long DNA molecules into more compact, denser structures.

A nucleosome is the basic structural unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotes. The structure of a nucleosome consists of a segment of DNA wound around eight histone proteins and resembles thread wrapped around a spool.

A complex of nucleic acids and proteins, primarily histones, in the cell nucleus that stains readily with basic dyes and condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

A structural unit of a eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of a length of DNA coiled around a core of histones.

(biology) A complex of DNA, RNA and proteins within the cell nucleus out of which chromosomes condense during cell division.

Any of the repeating subunits of chromatin found in eukaryotes, consisting of a DNA chain coiled around a core of histones.

Tissue which is capable of being stained by dyes.

(genetics) Any of the subunits that repeat in chromatin; a coil of DNA surrounding a core of eight histones.

The deeply staining substance of the nucleus and chromosomes of eukaryotic cells, composed of DNA and basic proteins (such as histones), the DNA of which comprises the predominant physical basis of inheritance. It was, at the beginning of the 20th century, supposed to be the same substance as was then termed idioplasm or germ plasm. In most eukaryotic cells, there is also DNA in certain plasmids, such as mitochondria, or (in plant cells) chloroplasts; but with the exception of these cytoplasmic genetic factors, the nuclear DNA of the chromatin is believed to contain all the genetic information required to code for the development of an adult organism. In the interphase nucleus the chromosomes are dispersed, but during cell division or meiosis they are condensed into the individually recognizable chromosomes. The set of chromosomes, or a photographic representation of the full set of chromosomes of a cell (often ordered for presentation) is called a karyotype.

The readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins; during mitotic division the chromatin condenses into chromosomes