Cell core: what is, characteristics, parts and function

Cell core: what is, characteristics, parts and function

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The cell nucleus is a cellular organelle of eukaryotes. The characteristics of the cell nucleus are that it is the largest organelle of the cell and there are animal and plant cell nucleus. The parts of the cell nucleus are nuclear wrapping, nuclear pores, fibrous nuclear sheet, nucleolus, nucleoplasma and chromatin. In addition, its function is the storage of genetic function, genetic expression, replication and regulation of the cell cycle.

Cells are the basic unity of living beings. Within them are the organelles, which are small specialized structures to carry out the functions that maintain living organisms. One of these organelles is the cell nucleus, which is within eukaryotic cells, which are those that have true core compared to prokaryotes that do not have it. To know What is the cell nucleus, its characteristics, its parts and its functionkeep reading this Ecology Verde.

What is the cell nucleus

The cell nucleus is a Cellular organelle of eukaryotic cellswhich are those with a defined nucleus and separated from the rest of the cell by a nuclear membrane. The nucleus contains and protects the genetic material of the cell, which is generally formed by DNA molecules.

Cell core: What is, characteristics, parts and function - What is the cell nucleus

Cell core characteristics

  • The most important cell core is that It contains almost all cell DNAthat is, genetic material. Here this genetic information condensed in something called chromatin is packaged, along with proteins and histones. This happens to chromosomes only when the time for cell division arrives.
  • It is about largest organelle in the entire cellso much that it can be seen in the optimal microscope. It measures 10 microns in diameter.
  • Can Differentiate between animal cell nucleus and plant cell nucleus. Both are eukaryotic cells, but there are certain elements that are not the same. The plant nucleus is usually larger than the animal, and is located on one side near the cell wall, so the animal cell nucleus is smaller and is at the center of the cell.

Parts of the cell nucleus

The structure of the cell nucleus varies according to the phase in which it is. If you are not in division, you have the following parts:

  • Nuclear envelope: It is what delimits the nucleus. It consists of an external nuclear membrane that separates it from the cytoplasm, and inside by an internal nuclear membrane. Between them is a separation called perinuclear cleft. The external nuclear membrane continues with rough endoplasmic reticulum, but the internal membrane is linked to the internal surface known as fibrous nuclear sheet. This nuclear wrapping serves as a barrier abroad, but is also permeable and selective.
  • Nuclear pores: These pores are located in the nuclear envelope, crossing it so that there is communication between the interior and exterior, that is, between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. They are selective, and transport molecules such as RNA out, or lipids inward. This is achieved by channels made by protein. They are not simple pores, but that seeing them under electronic microscopy can be seen that it is formed by 8 protein subunits, forming a cylinder also called nuclear pore complex.
  • Fibrous nuclear sheet: It serves as a support layer for the nucleus, especially for chromatin. It has a network shape.
  • Nucleolus: It is a large region within the nucleus, and is the largest part within the nucleus. Here the ribosomes are manufactured through the synthesis of the RRNA, that is, the ribosomal RNA.
  • Nucleoplasma: It is the liquid medium that contains the nucleus. It is between the membrane and the nucleolus. It is mostly water, and has suspended particles such as RNA synthesis, salts, lipids, hormones, among others.
  • Chromatin: This is the accommodated DNA inside the nucleus. Therefore, it is formed by DNA and proteins. The latter are called histones, and non -histone proteins. It can be found at different levels of compaction. The areas that are very compacted are called heterochromatin, and those that are dispersed are called euchromatin.

What differs when the cell is in division or mitosis, is that the nucleus has very condensed chromatin. Here the chromosomes are formed, which is organized chromatin. Each chromosome is formed by two chromatids that bind to the center for a so -called centromer.

Discover the phases of the cell cycle.

Cell core: What is, characteristics, parts and function - parts of the cell nucleus

Cell core function

  • Genetic information storage: Genetic information is compacted within the nucleus, specifically in chromatin as we just reviewed. This serves to organize and optimize the space that would occupy 100 thousand times the diameter of the cell core. This DNA is made by base pairs, and bind into so -called nucleosomes. Not only does the core storing the information have the core, but also has the necessary machinara to be functional.
  • Replication: It is the process by which DNA multiplies itself, in a copy identical to the first.
  • Genetic expression: This is the process in which the information encoded in the genes is formed in proteins, which will be used by the cells for structures and to carry out processes. This is completed in three steps starting with transcription, where DNA becomes a messenger RNA, and finally it translates into protein.
  • Regulates the cell cycle: The nucleolus has among its functions that of mediating cell differentiation, that is, in the cell cycle.

Now that you know what the cell nucleus is and you know its parts, do not miss these articles on the difference between DNA and RNA and the types of cells.

If you want to read more articles similar to Cell core: what is, characteristics, parts and functionwe recommend that you enter our biology category.

Literature
  • Koolman, J., Röhm, K. (2004). Biochemistry: Text and Atlas. Argentina: Pan -American Medical Editorial.
  • Ross, MH, Pawlina, W. (2007). Histology: Text and Atlas Color with cell and molecular biology. Argentina: Pan -American Medical.
Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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