14 Questions
What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?
To synthesize proteins and store genetic information
What is the term for a less condensed form of chromatin that is transcriptionally active?
Euchromatin
What is the typical size of the nucleus in human cells?
Approximately 6 µm in diameter
What is the significance of the nuclear-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio?
It is used to assess cell malignancy
Where is the nucleus typically located in adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells?
Peripheral and basal
What is the shape of the nucleus in some cells?
Spherical, oval, multilobed, or flattened
What percentage of the cell volume is typically occupied by the nucleus?
10%
What is the name of the membrane that distinguishes the cytoplasm from the contents of the nucleus?
Nuclear envelope
What is the shape of the nucleus in some cell types?
Spherical, oval, multilobed, or flattened
What is the term for the ratio of the size of the nucleus to the size of the cytoplasm of a cell?
Nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C)
What is the function of the nucleus in relation to cell components?
It contains the genetic information required for the creation of different cell components
What is the significance of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C) in assessing cell malignancy?
It has traditionally been used for assessing cell malignancy
What is the number of nuclei in some cell types?
One, two, or many
What is the position of the nucleus in epithelial cells?
Basal
Study Notes
The Nucleus
- Found only in eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is the most prominent organelle in the cell.
- Completely bound by a double membrane structure called the nuclear envelope, which separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm.
Nucleus Features
- Size: Typically occupies 10% of the cell volume, making it the largest organelle in animal cells, with a diameter of approximately 6 µm in human cells.
- Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Ratio (N/C): The ratio of the nucleus size to the cytoplasm size, used to assess cell malignancy.
- Shape: Can be spherical, oval, multilobed, or flattened.
- Number: Can be absent, one, two, or many.
- Position: Can be central, peripheral (in adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells), or basal (in epithelial cells).
Chromatin Structure
- Euchromatin: A less condensed, transcriptionally active form of chromatin, allowing DNA to be accessible for gene expression.
Learn about the structure and function of the nucleus, the largest organelle in eukaryotic cells, and its role in storing genetic information and cell reproduction.
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