chromatid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chromatid” mean?
One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere, that separate during cell division.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere, that separate during cell division.
In genetics and cell biology, a chromatid is a single strand of a duplicated chromosome, visible during mitosis and meiosis. Sister chromatids are held together by a centromere and contain identical DNA sequences until crossing over occurs in meiosis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chromatid” in a Sentence
The chromatid separates from its sister.Each chromatid contains identical DNA.A chromatid is attached at the centromere.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromatid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chromosome will chromatid (incorrect - not a verb).
American English
- The chromosome will chromatid (incorrect - not a verb).
adverb
British English
- The chromosomes separated chromatidly (incorrect - not a standard adverb).
American English
- The chromosomes separated chromatidly (incorrect - not a standard adverb).
adjective
British English
- The chromatid structure was analysed.
- Chromatid cohesion is essential.
American English
- The chromatid structure was analyzed.
- Chromatid cohesion is essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, genetics, and medical textbooks and research papers discussing cell division.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in cell biology laboratories, genetic research, and clinical cytogenetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromatid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromatid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromatid”
- Misspelling as 'chromatide' or 'chromotide'.
- Using 'chromatid' to refer to an unduplicated chromosome.
- Confusing 'chromatid' with 'chromatin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A chromosome is the entire structure containing DNA. Before cell division, it replicates, resulting in two identical sister chromatids joined at the centromere. After separation, each chromatid is considered an individual chromosome.
No. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins (histones) that makes up chromosomes. A chromatid is one of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, a visible structure during cell division.
Chromatids exist from the S phase of the cell cycle (when DNA replicates) through to anaphase of mitosis or meiosis II, when they separate.
Yes, after the sister chromatids separate in anaphase, each is referred to as a (single) chromatid, which is now an individual chromosome for the daughter cell.
One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere, that separate during cell division.
Chromatid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chromatid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrəʊmətɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkroʊmətɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHROMeosome' splits into 'chro-ma-TWINS' (tids) during division.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chromatid is like one half of a duplicated zip (zipper) before it is pulled apart.
Practice
Quiz
What is a chromatid?