DNA in the double helix form is tightly packed within the cell nucleus through a complex process involving various levels of organization. This packaging is facilitated by proteins called histones, forming structures known as nucleosomes. These nucleosomes further coil and fold to form chromatin, which can be visualized under a microscope during cell division as chromosomes. The state of chromatin (euchromatin vs. heterochromatin) can indicate the activity level of genes, which is significant in understanding cellular function and pathology.
