Cells need both DNA and chromatin to work properly for a few important reasons:

1. Structure and Organization:

   • DNA is the material that carries our genes. In eukaryotic cells (the type of cells that make up plants and animals), DNA is found in a form called chromatin.
   • Chromatin helps organize DNA so it can fit inside the nucleus of the cell.
   • If you stretched out all the DNA in one human cell, it would be about 2 meters long! This DNA is packed into 46 chromosomes.

2. Gene Regulation:

   • Chromatin is very important for controlling gene expression. This means it helps decide which genes are turned on or off.
   • About 30% of our genes are actively used because of changes in chromatin.

3. Cell Division:

   • When a cell divides, chromatin condenses into separate chromosomes. This process helps make sure the DNA is copied and shared correctly between the new cells.
   • If there are problems with chromatin, it can lead to mistakes, such as cancer, which may affect 70-90% of cells.

In short, DNA gives the instructions for how living things function, while chromatin helps organize these instructions and controls how they are used. Both are essential for keeping cells healthy and working well.