The Nucleus
The nucleus is the control center for every cell in the living body. Within the nucleus, DNA can be found. DNA is the genetic material that we pass on to our children and what makes each of every human unique and unalike another person, even twins. Also, DNA undergoes transcription into mRNA which is then and translated into proteins. These proteins then become various important parts of the body, such as enzymes, cell structures, signaling proteins and much more. This is why the nucleus is the power house of the cell-because regulating everything that happens in our body.
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ by where their DNA is stored. Prokaryotic (before nucleus) cells have no nucleus and the DNA is in the region called the nucleoid, a region that is not enclosed by a membrane. Eukaryotic cells (true nucleus) stores its DNA within a closed membrane.
The nucleus has many layered structures that play important roles in the nucleus' functions. Starting from the inside out. The nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus separating it from the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane, each with a lipid bilayer with associated proteins. These layers are separated by a space of 20-40 nm. The envelope is perforated by pore structures that are about 100 nm in diameter. An intricate protein structure called pore complex lines each pore and plays an important role in the cell by regulating the entry and exit of proteins and RNA, as well as large complexes of macromolecules. Next is the nuclear lamina which is a netlike array of proteins filaments that maintains the shape of the nucleus by mechanically supporting the nucleus. The nuclear lamina and matrix, a framework of protein fibers extending throughout the nuclear interior, may help organize the genetic material so it functions efficiently.
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ by where their DNA is stored. Prokaryotic (before nucleus) cells have no nucleus and the DNA is in the region called the nucleoid, a region that is not enclosed by a membrane. Eukaryotic cells (true nucleus) stores its DNA within a closed membrane.
The nucleus has many layered structures that play important roles in the nucleus' functions. Starting from the inside out. The nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus separating it from the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane, each with a lipid bilayer with associated proteins. These layers are separated by a space of 20-40 nm. The envelope is perforated by pore structures that are about 100 nm in diameter. An intricate protein structure called pore complex lines each pore and plays an important role in the cell by regulating the entry and exit of proteins and RNA, as well as large complexes of macromolecules. Next is the nuclear lamina which is a netlike array of proteins filaments that maintains the shape of the nucleus by mechanically supporting the nucleus. The nuclear lamina and matrix, a framework of protein fibers extending throughout the nuclear interior, may help organize the genetic material so it functions efficiently.