Eukaryotic chromosome structure

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Eukaryotic chromosome structure refers to the levels of packaging from the raw DNA molecules to the chromosomal structures seen during metaphase in mitosis or meiosis.

In eukaryotes the chromosomes are found packaged within a nuclear membrane unlike prokaryotes.It consists of a DNA double helix bound to histones.The DNA is bound around the histone core of 8 subunits forming the nucleosome.About 200 base pairs of DNA coil around 1 histone. Packaging of DNA is facilitated by charges. Phosphate groups cause DNA to have a negative charge, and the histones are positively charged. Most eukaryotic cells contain histones (with a few exceptions) as well as the kingdom archea, a protist group.