Final answer:
DNA is most commonly recognized in its double helix structure but within eukaryotic cells, it is further organized into nucleosomes. These nucleosomes, composed of DNA wrapped around histones, form a 'beads on a string' structure, further compacted into a 30 nm fiber and ultimately into tightly packaged chromosomes during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA is most often seen in a structure known as the double helix. However, when referencing the way DNA is organized within a cell, it is tightly wrapped around proteins called histones forming structures known as nucleosomes. This organization allows DNA to be highly compacted, especially in eukaryotic cells, which need to fit their linear DNA molecules inside the nucleus.
In eukaryotes, the nucleosomes are linked together by a short strand of DNA that is free of histones, labeled as "beads on a string." This structure is further compacted into a fiber about 30 nm in diameter. During cell division, specifically at the metaphase stage, the chromosomes become even more compacted, reaching around 700 nm in width, and are organized with the help of scaffold proteins.
These structural features are critical in ensuring that the cell’s DNA is organized efficiently, allowing for proper function during processes such as replication and transcription, while also making sure that the DNA is packaged compactly enough to fit within the confines of the cell's nucleus.