What happens to chromatin during cell division?

During cell division, chromatin undergoes a significant transformation in which it condenses into distinct structures known as chromosomes. This process is essential for ensuring proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Chromatin, which is composed of DNA and proteins, exists in a more relaxed and elongated form during interphase, allowing for processes such as transcription and DNA replication to occur.

As the cell enters mitosis, chromatin condensation occurs to facilitate the orderly distribution of genetic material. The condensation process involves the coiling and folding of chromatin fibers, making it compact enough to be moved without becoming tangled or damaged. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a region called the centromere, which ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during cell division.

This condensation is critical because it allows chromosomes to be easily separated and accurately distributed to the resulting daughter cells. If chromatin did not condense, it would be far more challenging to segregate the genetic material during cell division, potentially leading to errors such as aneuploidy, where daughter cells end up with the wrong number of chromosomes.