Step 1: Understanding the Concept
In chromosomes, DNA wraps around a core of histone proteins and non-histone proteins are also attached.
Step 2: Who reported it
Roger Kornberg in 1974 described chromatin as a chain of repeating units called nucleosomes.
Step 3: Why the other options fail
Crick is known for the double-helix model (1953), Miescher for discovering nuclein (1869) and Griffith for the transformation experiment (1928).
Final Answer:
R. Kornberg reported this in 1974.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{R. Kornberg}} \]