Chromatids

Chromatids are the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome, which appear during cell division. Before a cell divides, its chromosomes duplicate, ensuring that each new cell gets an exact copy of the genetic information. Each copy, called a chromatid, is connected at a region called the centromere. When the cell divides, the chromatids separate and become individual chromosomes in the new cells. This process is crucial for maintaining genetic consistency across cells in an organism, enabling proper growth, repair, and reproduction.