Final answer:
DNA in humans is packaged into complexes called chromatin, which comprises DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes. This organization allows DNA to fit inside the nucleus and condenses into chromosomes for cell division. The human genome is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In humans, DNA is associated with several classes of proteins and is packaged into complexes known as chromatin. Chromatin consists of DNA wrapped around proteins called histones to form structures known as nucleosomes. These nucleosomes appear like beads on a string, where the string represents the DNA, and the beads represent the histone proteins. This organization helps to condense the long DNA strands so they can fit inside the cell nucleus.
When a cell prepares to divide, this chromatin further condenses to form chromosomes, which are tightly packed structures of DNA and proteins. This ensures that DNA can be accurately and safely distributed to the daughter cells during cell division. The human genome, which is the entire genetic content of a cell, is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes in somatic cells.