Nucleus
Dr.Iman Nabil
Nucleus
• It is the largest membranous organelle of the
cell.
• Functions:
1- It contains the chromosomes.
2- Contains the machinery for DNA replication&
RNA transcription.
Nucleus
• Number:
1- Single: most of the cells.
2- Binucleated: liver cells.
3- Multinucleated: skeletal muscle fibers.
4- Absent: RBCs.
Components of the nucleus
1- The nuclear envelope.
2- The chromatin.
3- The nucleolus.
4- The nucleoplasm (nuclear matrix; sap).
I-The nuclear envelope
1-It consists of two parallel
membranes; outer and inner separated
by the perinuclear cisterna.
2- It is perforated by the nuclear pores
which provide a channel between the
nucleus and cytoplasm.
1-The outer membrane
• It is continuous with the rough endoplasmic
reticulum. It is covered with ribosomes on its
outer surface.
• Function: The ribosomes synthesize the
transmembrane proteins of the nuclear
membranes.
2-The inner membrane
• It is supported at its inner surface by the lamins.
Functions of the lamin:
1-Supports the nuclear envelope.
2- Influences chromosome distribution and function.
3- The nuclear pores
• Definition: They are perforations in the nuclear
envelope where the outer and inner nuclear
membranes fuse.
• Distribution: not uniformly distributed.
• Number: vary according to the cell activity.
• Function: provide a bidirectional channel
through which the nucleus and cytoplasm
communicate.
Nuclear pore complex
II-The chromatin
• It is formed of DNA + histone proteins.
• DNA is extensively-packaged in chromatin as:
1- A segment of the DNA is wrapped two times around eight
histone proteins to form a nucleosome. Each nucleosome is
separated from the next by a region of linker DNA.
2- Repeating nucleosomes with intervening "linker" DNA
form a 10nm fiber (beads on a string).
3- This chain of nucleosomes is packed to form a 30nm fiber.
4- Higher orders of packaging gives the compact structure
700nm seen in the metaphase of the dividing cell known as
the chromatid of a chromosome.
Types of chromatin
1- Heterochromatin (condensed chromatin; the inactive
chromatin):
• LM: appears as dense basophilic clumps.
• EM: appears as condensed filaments or granules distributed
in the following sites:
Nucleolar-associated heterochromatin: around the
nucleolus.
Peripheral heterochromatin: at the inner nuclear
membrane( associated with the nuclear lamin).
Heterochromatin islands: swimming in the nuclear sap.
• Function: transform into euchromatin when needed.
Linker DNA
Types of chromatin
2- Euchromatin (extended chromatin; the active
chromatin)
• LM: appears as lightly-stained basophilic areas.
• EM:appears as dispersed filaments or granules.
• Function: It is stretched so, the genetic
information in the DNA can be transcribed.
Types of chromatin
• The proportion between euchromatin and heterochromatin differs from
one cell to another according to its activity.
Heterochromatin Euchromatin
1- LM Dense basophilic clumps. Lightly stained basophilic areas.
2- EM Electron dense filaments or granules distributed in: Dispersed fine filaments or granules.
1- around nucleolus.
2- associated with inner nuclear membrane.
3- swimming in nuclear sap.
3- Function Inactive part acts as a reserve ( transformed into euchromatin when Active part (transcribed into RNA).
needed).
4- Site Inactive cells. Active cells e.g. dividing cells.
Chromosome
• During cell division: chromatin is condensed into
the chromosomes; formed from two chromatids
held together at the centromere. Each chromatid is
formed of a single DNA molecule.
Karyotyping
• The somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes.
• Karyotyping: is the arrangement of the
chromosomes during metaphase into groups of
homologous pairs( 22 homologous pairs of
autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes).
• In females (44 autosomes +XX) :one X
chromosome is heterochromatic (Barr body), it
can be identified in neutrophils, attached to the
nucleus in the form of a drumstick mass.
III-The nucleolus
• Definition: It is a spherical body with no
surrounding membrane.
• Number: single or multiple.
• Function: it is the site of formation of
ribosomal RNA.
IV-The nucleoplasm (nuclear
matrix;sap)
• Definition: It is a colloidal protein solution
• Function: provides a medium for the rapid
diffusion of metabolites.
Which statement is the best to
describe the pointed structure
by the red arrow?
1- It is uniformly distributed.
2- The number increases with decreases
the cell activitiy.
3- It allows passages of molecules only in
one direction.
4- Fusion of the outer and inner
membranes marks at its site.
Which statement is the best to
describe the pointed structure
by the red arrow?
1- It is uniformly distributed.
2- The number increases with decreases the
cell activitiy.
3- It allows passages of molecules only in one
direction.
4- Fusion of the outer and inner membranes
marks at its site.
