Chromatin is DNA bound to proteins like histones and scaffold proteins. A separate piece of chromatin in cells is called a chromosome. These DNA binding proteins serve a number of functions. * to package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell * to strengthen the DNA to allow cell division * to prevent DNA damage * to control gene expression and DNA replication During the DNA synthesis no chromatin is created, but naked DNA. Before the dinosaurs can be cloned, this DNA has to be packaged by proteins to form chromosomes.