Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a system architecture feature in Amiga computers where the custom chips (particularly Agnus or Alice) can access Chip RAM directly without involving the CPU. This allows the graphics, audio, and blitter coprocessor to fetch data and perform operations independently, freeing the CPU for other tasks. The DMA controller manages bus arbitration between the CPU and custom chips, enabling the Amiga's renowned real-time multimedia capabilities and smooth multitasking even during intensive graphics operations.