Why is it necessary for the genetic material in a cell to exist in chromatin form during normal cellular activity, and not in chromosome form?

Answer / Explanation:

Chromosomes are highly condensed and compact structures. This means the chromatin (protein plus DNA complex) is hierarchically organised into tight structures through progressive folding of chromatin.

However, this is only the case during cell division. When the cell is in interphase and performing its normal duties, it is in a much more decondensed structure. This is because in order for transcription to occur, the cell needs to be able to access the information in the DNA. For example, transcription factors need to bind at their gene promoters to promote transcription.

When the DNA is folded into chromosomes, cellular factors do not have access to the genetic information due to the physical constraints of the chromatin structure.