What is Nucleus?
As it relates to genomics, the nucleus of a cell is the organelle enclosed by a membrane that includes the chromosomes. A network of pores in the nuclear membrane allows the selective passage of specific molecules (such as proteins and nucleic acids) into and out of the nucleus.
Nucleus Functions
Appearing only in the non-segmented phase. It consists of a chromatin network and a nucleoplasm during the non-dividing phase. In cells that are dividing, the nucleus dissolves and the genetic content is replaced by chromosomes. The nucleus is chemically composed of DNA, RNA, and proteins (including enzymes). It is comprised of the nuclear membrane, nucleolus, nucleoplasm, and chromosomes.
Nucleus Structure
This can be called a command center because it is an organelle that holds the cell’s DNA. So, the nucleus is made up of a number of structured parts that help it work. This part is all about how the unit is put together.
Most books show that the nucleus has the shape of a sphere. Depending on the type of cell, it may be flat, oval, or have an odd shape. For example, the nucleus of columnar epithelial cells looks longer than the nuclei of other cells. But as the cell grows up, the size of the nucleus may also change.
Functions of Nucleus
It performs the following functions:
- It is in charge of everything the cell does.
- It controls how traits from parents are passed on to their children.
- The cell makes mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, which are three types of RNA. These RNAs are needed to make proteins.
The Nuclear Membrane
One thing that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells is the nuclear membrane. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, don’t have membrane-bound organelles, so they don’t have a membrane around the nucleus (such as bacteria).
The nucleus is an organelle that is surrounded by a membrane, like all the other organelles in eukaryotes. The nuclear membrane is made up of two layers of phospholipids, just like the cell membrane (forming lipid bilayer nuclear membranes).
On the nuclear membrane, there are holes called “nuclear holes” that have proteins in them. This is how things enter or leave the cell (RNA, proteins, etc.). Studies have shown that lipid billers join together in the pores, even though they are separated by a thin space called the perinuclear pool.
Nucleoplasm
The nucleoplasm is a protoplasm made up of enzymes, dissolved salts, and many organic molecules. It is also called the nucleoplasm joint. The nucleoplasm also helps to protect the nucleoli and chromosomes by acting as a buffer. It also helps keep the shape of the nucleus as a whole.
See Also:
- Cytoplasm: Define Its Function, Structure, and Location
- Ribosomes Function: Define Its Structure, Size, Location
- Cloning: Define its Process and Importance