Final answer:
During interphase, the genetic material in the cell is called chromatin and is not clearly visible. Chromatin can be euchromatin or heterochromatin based on its condensation and gene activity status. Chromosomes are the visible structures of condensed chromatin during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetic material during interphase is called chromatin, and it is not clearly visible. Chromatin exists in two forms: euchromatin, which is less condensed and associated with genes that are actively being transcribed, and heterochromatin, which is more condensed and houses genes that are typically not expressed. Unlike chromatin, chromosomes refer to the tightly packed form of genetic material that becomes visible during cell division phases such as mitosis and meiosis. In interphase, the chromatin is essentially DNA wrapped around histone proteins forming nucleosomes, further coiling into 30 nm fibers, but not yet forming the highly condensed metaphase chromosomes.