What structural feature of nucleosomes helps organize DNA?

The structural feature of nucleosomes that helps organize DNA is primarily the interactions with histone proteins. Nucleosomes consist of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins, which are positively charged. This interaction occurs because the negatively charged DNA is attracted to the positively charged histones, allowing the DNA to wrap around the histones in a compact formation. This wrapping reduces the length of the DNA, making it more manageable within the confines of a cell nucleus.

By organizing DNA into nucleosomes, the structure not only condenses the DNA but also plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. The tightness of this winding can influence whether certain genes are accessible for transcription. In this context, the interactions between the DNA and histone proteins are essential for both packing the genetic material and facilitating its functional regulation.