Some Important Terms

Chromatid: A chromatid is a duplicated chromosome that is held together in the middle. On each of the sides of the chromatid is an exact copy of the original chromosome.
Chromatin: Chromatin is a fine mass of thin fibers. The fibers are long strings pf DNA. Chromatin is not visible in a cell until a cell divides.
Chromosome: Chromosomes are small, tightly-woven clumps of DNA. All the genetic material for a living thing is on the chromosome. The chromosomes give directions for what an organism will look like.
Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is a thick, pasty mixture inside a cell. Inside the cytoplasm are tiny organelles that are specialized to do certain tasks for the cell.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are a special organelle in the cytoplasm of a cell that are in charge of making protiens.
Traits: Traits are features that living things have. They can be passed through generations. The study of traits and the way they are inherited is important to the science of genetics.