Nucleosome

Definition

A nucleosome is a structural unit within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins. It serves as the primary level of DNA packaging, which helps in organizing and compacting the long DNA strands so they can fit within the cell nucleus.

Related terms

Histones:

Proteins that provide structural support to chromosomes by acting as "spools" for DNA to wrap around, facilitating tighter packing into nucleosomes.

Chromatin:

The complex of DNA and proteins, primarily histones, that makes up chromosomes in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

DNA replication:

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division, ensuring each new cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material