Final answer:
The bacterial chromosome must be supercoiled to fit into the cell. Supercoiling involves twisting the DNA, either in an under-wound or over-wound state. Proteins like DNA gyrase help maintain the compact structure of the chromosome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bacterial chromosome must be supercoiled in order to fit into the cell. Supercoiling means that DNA is twisted, either in an under-wound or over-wound state from its normal relaxed state. Some proteins, like DNA gyrase, are involved in the supercoiling process and help maintain the compact structure of the chromosome.