Final answer:
Chromosomes are compacted DNA molecules made up of histones that help package DNA and fit it in the small space of the cell nucleus. This compaction can be up to 700-fold during mitosis. The DNA-protein complex, known as chromatin, is highly dynamic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each chromosome is a single molecule of DNA whose extraordinarily long length can be compacted by as much as 700-fold during mitosis and tenfold more during mitosis. This is accomplished by binding to histones that help package the DNA in an orderly manner so it can fit in the small space delimited by the nuclear envelope. The structure of the DNA-protein complex, called chromatin, is highly dynamic over time.