DNA Packaging: From Double Helix to Chromatin

Explore how DNA compacts to fit inside a cell nucleus

DNA Double Helix
Core Histones (8 proteins)
Linker Histone (5th type)
Scaffold Proteins

Double Helix

The DNA double helix is the starting point for all DNA packaging. This iconic twisted ladder structure contains the genetic information, but it's far too long to fit in a cell nucleus without organization.