Nucleus
Definition
The nucleus is an organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains most of the cell's genetic material organized as DNA molecules along with proteins forming chromosomes.
Analogy
The nucleus is like the principal's office at a school. It controls all the activities of the cell (school) and holds all the important information (like student records).
Related terms
Nucleolus: A small dense spherical structure in the nucleus of a cell during interphase, involved in protein synthesis and production of ribosomes.
Chromatin: The material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Nuclear Envelope: A double membrane that encloses the nucleus within eukaryotic cells, providing a barrier between the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm.
"Nucleus" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (1)
- One of the key characteristics that sets eukaryotes apart from prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) is the presence of ____, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
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