What role do histones play in eukaryotic cells?

Histones play a crucial role in the organization and packaging of DNA within eukaryotic cells. They are proteins that bind to DNA, facilitating the formation of a structure known as a nucleosome. In this structure, DNA winds around histone proteins, which helps condense the long strands of DNA into a more compact form, allowing it to fit within the nucleus of the cell. This organization is essential for the regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, and repair processes. The interaction between histones and DNA also plays a role in the accessibility of specific genes for transcription, making histones integral to the expression of genetic information.