What are the proteins that wrap around DNA called?

The proteins that wrap around DNA are called histones. These proteins play a crucial role in the packaging of DNA within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Each histone molecule is positively charged, which allows it to bind tightly to the negatively charged DNA, aiding in the compact organization of DNA into a structure known as chromatin. This wrapping around the DNA helps to condense it into a more manageable form that can fit within the cell nucleus and also plays a role in the regulation of gene expression, as the way DNA is packed can affect its accessibility for transcription and other processes.

Nucleotides, on the other hand, are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Chromatin refers to the complex of DNA and proteins (including histones) that make up chromosomes in the nucleus, while chromosomes are the structures formed when chromatin condenses during cell division. Understanding the role of histones is critical for grasping how DNA is organized and how gene regulation occurs within cells.