Nucleus

Nucleus Nucleus: Nucleus in biology can be very well defined as a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material. Nucleus can also be defined as a specialized, usually spherical mass of protoplasm encased in a double membrane, and found in most living eukaryotic cells, directing their growth, metabolism, and reproduction, and functioning in the transmission of genic characters. What is a Nucleus ? The nucleus is the controlling center of eukaryotic cell. It contains most of the genetic materials of the cell. It was first observed by Antonie von Leeuvenhoek in the lumen of RBCs and was named in the year 1833 by Robert brown who discovered it in plant cells. Structure of Nucleus: Nuclear Envelope: The nuclear envelope consists of two concentric membranes called the inner and outer membranes. The outer membrane is continuous with ER. In contrast the inner membrane carries unique proteins that are specific to the nucleus. A network of intermediate filaments present on the nuclear side of the inner membrane is known as nuclear lamina which is made up of lamin proteins providing mechanical support to the nucleus. Nuclear pores: The nuclear envelope contains nuclear pores for transport of macromolecules between cytoplasm and nucleus. Each nuclear pore is formed from an elaborate structure called nuclear pore complex. The proteins that make up the nuclear pore complex are known as nucleoporins. Nucleolar-organizing region (NORs): The nucleolus organizing region is a region of chromosome around which the nucleolus forms. In the human, the five chromosomes contain NORs, which can be identified as secondary constrictions on metaphase chromosomes. The position of secondary constriction in a chromosome is specific and species specific. As compared to secondary constrictions, the primary constrictions also called as centromere, attaches sister chromatids together. Chromosomes and chromatin: A chromatin is an organized structure of DNA and protein that is found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It contains a single dsDNA in coiled and condensed form. The basic difference between chromatin and chromosomes is that chromatin is less condensed and extended DNA while chromosomes are highly condensed DNA. The extent of chromatin condensation varies during the life cycle of the cell. In non-dividing as well as interphase stages of cell, most of the chromatin remain relatively de-condensed. The light staining, less condensed portions of chromatin are termed as euchromatin. This region is transcriptionally active and contains most of the transcribing genes. The darkly stained and highly condensed region of chromatin is termed as heterochromatin. This region is transcriptionally inactive. img alt=chromosomes and chromatin data-cke-saved-src=http://images.tutorpace.com/biology/nucleus_5.jpg src=http://images.tutorpace.com/biology/nucleus_5.jpg 518px;= height:= 254px;= Centromere: The constricted region of linear chromosomes is known as the centromere. Although this constriction is called the centromere, it is usually not located exactly in the center of the chromosome and, in some cases, is located almost at the chromosomes end. Telomere: Telomeres are specialized structures, which cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. It consists of a long array of short, tandemly repeated sequences. Origin of Replication: The origin of replication is a particular sequence in a chromosome at which replication is initiated. One chromosome contains multiple origins of replication. Chromosome number: All eukaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes. Every cell maintains a characteristic number of chromosomes. Depending upon the eukaryotic organism, the number of chromosomes varies from 2 to several hundreds. Chromosome number in different eukaryotic organisms: Species Haploid number of chromosomes Saccharomyces cerevisiae 16 Arabidopsis thaliana 06 Drosophila thaliana 04 Mus musculus 19 +X and Y Homo sapiens 22 + X and Y Functions of Nucleus: It is the prime control center of cellular activities. It controls the enzymatic activities. It controls the process of synthesizing proteins. It regulates the hereditary characteristics of an individual It participates in the process of cell division, differentiation and growth of cell. It controls the reliability of genes and its expression. Helps in the transport of RNA and DNA across the cell. Nucleolus is called ribosomal factory of the cell. Transcription takes place in nucleus.