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Questions and Answers
Which of the following structures is responsible for controlling all cellular metabolic activities?
Which of the following structures is responsible for controlling all cellular metabolic activities?
What type of cell is most likely to be multinucleated?
What type of cell is most likely to be multinucleated?
How does a vesicular nucleus typically appear under light microscopy?
How does a vesicular nucleus typically appear under light microscopy?
What is the primary composition of the nuclear membrane?
What is the primary composition of the nuclear membrane?
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Which type of nucleus is most often found in metabolically inactive cells?
Which type of nucleus is most often found in metabolically inactive cells?
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What is the largest possible size that a nucleus can reach in specific cell types such as the ovum?
What is the largest possible size that a nucleus can reach in specific cell types such as the ovum?
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Which shape is NOT commonly associated with the nucleus?
Which shape is NOT commonly associated with the nucleus?
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Which component of the nucleus is responsible for synthesizing ribosomes?
Which component of the nucleus is responsible for synthesizing ribosomes?
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What are the genes that code for rRNA called?
What are the genes that code for rRNA called?
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What happens to rRNA after it is conjugated with protein?
What happens to rRNA after it is conjugated with protein?
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Which statement about tumor cells in high-grade malignancies is true?
Which statement about tumor cells in high-grade malignancies is true?
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What is the primary function of the nuclear envelope?
What is the primary function of the nuclear envelope?
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What characterizes euchromatin?
What characterizes euchromatin?
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What is nuclear sap described as?
What is nuclear sap described as?
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Which term describes the nucleus when it is smaller, darker, and eccentric due to cell death?
Which term describes the nucleus when it is smaller, darker, and eccentric due to cell death?
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Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome results from a mutation affecting which component of the cell?
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome results from a mutation affecting which component of the cell?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a cell inclusion?
Which of the following is NOT considered a cell inclusion?
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What is the primary role of the nucleolus?
What is the primary role of the nucleolus?
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Liposuction pigment is known for accumulating as a 'wear and tear' pigment in which cells?
Liposuction pigment is known for accumulating as a 'wear and tear' pigment in which cells?
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Which statement correctly differentiates euchromatin from heterochromatin?
Which statement correctly differentiates euchromatin from heterochromatin?
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What is an example of an endogenous pigment found in cells?
What is an example of an endogenous pigment found in cells?
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In which region of the nucleus is heterochromatin primarily found?
In which region of the nucleus is heterochromatin primarily found?
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Why does the nucleolus appear basophilic?
Why does the nucleolus appear basophilic?
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What is the structural composition of chromatin?
What is the structural composition of chromatin?
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Which characteristics are typically associated with a vesicular nucleus?
Which characteristics are typically associated with a vesicular nucleus?
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of the nuclear membrane?
Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of the nuclear membrane?
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Which type of cells are most likely to contain a condensed nucleus?
Which type of cells are most likely to contain a condensed nucleus?
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What is a common shape for nuclei in various cell types?
What is a common shape for nuclei in various cell types?
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Under light microscopy, how is the nuclear sap differentiated from other nuclear components?
Under light microscopy, how is the nuclear sap differentiated from other nuclear components?
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How many membranes comprise the nuclear membrane and what is unique about its outer membrane?
How many membranes comprise the nuclear membrane and what is unique about its outer membrane?
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What is the smallest size a nucleus can typically reach in nucleated cells?
What is the smallest size a nucleus can typically reach in nucleated cells?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical position of the nucleus within a cell?
Which of the following is NOT a typical position of the nucleus within a cell?
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What is the primary function of nuclear pores?
What is the primary function of nuclear pores?
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What characteristic of chromatin differentiates heterochromatin from euchromatin?
What characteristic of chromatin differentiates heterochromatin from euchromatin?
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What feature distinguishes the nucleolus from other nuclear structures?
What feature distinguishes the nucleolus from other nuclear structures?
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In which part of the nucleus is euchromatin primarily located?
In which part of the nucleus is euchromatin primarily located?
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What condition is characterized by accelerated aging and slow growth due to a mutation in lamin synthesis?
What condition is characterized by accelerated aging and slow growth due to a mutation in lamin synthesis?
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What are the two types of chromatin differentiated by their activity?
What are the two types of chromatin differentiated by their activity?
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What is the primary staining characteristic of the nucleolus?
What is the primary staining characteristic of the nucleolus?
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What happens to the appearance of chromatin when viewed with high magnification electron microscopy?
What happens to the appearance of chromatin when viewed with high magnification electron microscopy?
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What is the primary characteristic of tumor cells in high-grade malignancies?
What is the primary characteristic of tumor cells in high-grade malignancies?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature of nuclear sap?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature of nuclear sap?
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What type of cell inclusions primarily store carbohydrates?
What type of cell inclusions primarily store carbohydrates?
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Which pigment is considered an endogenous pigment that can be seen in cells?
Which pigment is considered an endogenous pigment that can be seen in cells?
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What term describes the nuclear condition where the nucleus breaks down into small fragments?
What term describes the nuclear condition where the nucleus breaks down into small fragments?
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Which of the following is the primary characteristic of lipofuscin pigment?
Which of the following is the primary characteristic of lipofuscin pigment?
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Which statement is true regarding nucleolar genes?
Which statement is true regarding nucleolar genes?
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Which type of inclusion can be classified as exogenous pigment?
Which type of inclusion can be classified as exogenous pigment?
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What are the different types of nuclei based on the number of nuclei they contain?
What are the different types of nuclei based on the number of nuclei they contain?
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Describe the typical appearance of a condensed nucleus under light microscopy.
Describe the typical appearance of a condensed nucleus under light microscopy.
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What are the four main components of the nucleus?
What are the four main components of the nucleus?
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How can the position of the nucleus vary in different cell types?
How can the position of the nucleus vary in different cell types?
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What role does the nuclear membrane play in cellular functioning?
What role does the nuclear membrane play in cellular functioning?
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What is the significance of the basophilic nature of the nucleus when stained with H&E?
What is the significance of the basophilic nature of the nucleus when stained with H&E?
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What is the maximum size a nucleus can reach, particularly in specific cell types?
What is the maximum size a nucleus can reach, particularly in specific cell types?
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What are some common shapes of the nucleus?
What are some common shapes of the nucleus?
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What role do nuclear pores play in the function of the nuclear envelope?
What role do nuclear pores play in the function of the nuclear envelope?
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How does the activity of euchromatin differ from that of heterochromatin?
How does the activity of euchromatin differ from that of heterochromatin?
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What is the primary function of the nucleolus within the nucleus?
What is the primary function of the nucleolus within the nucleus?
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Describe the clinical implications of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome related to the nuclear lamina.
Describe the clinical implications of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome related to the nuclear lamina.
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What is the structural difference between euchromatin and heterochromatin as seen under electron microscopy?
What is the structural difference between euchromatin and heterochromatin as seen under electron microscopy?
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How do the physical locations of euchromatin and heterochromatin differ within the nucleus?
How do the physical locations of euchromatin and heterochromatin differ within the nucleus?
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What are the key components of chromatin?
What are the key components of chromatin?
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What contributes to the basophilic staining characteristic of the nucleolus?
What contributes to the basophilic staining characteristic of the nucleolus?
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What notable change occurs in the nucleoli of tumor cells during high-grade malignancies?
What notable change occurs in the nucleoli of tumor cells during high-grade malignancies?
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Define nuclear sap and its role within the nucleus.
Define nuclear sap and its role within the nucleus.
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What are the different types of nuclear changes indicating cell death?
What are the different types of nuclear changes indicating cell death?
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How are carbohydrates primarily stored within liver cells?
How are carbohydrates primarily stored within liver cells?
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What is the significance of lipofuscin pigment in cells?
What is the significance of lipofuscin pigment in cells?
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What distinguishes endogenous pigments from exogenous pigments?
What distinguishes endogenous pigments from exogenous pigments?
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Which chromosomes are known to harbor nucleolar genes responsible for rRNA?
Which chromosomes are known to harbor nucleolar genes responsible for rRNA?
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What happens to the nucleus during karyorrhexis?
What happens to the nucleus during karyorrhexis?
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Study Notes
The Nucleus
- Rounded or elongated organelle present in all cells except mature RBCs and platelets.
- Controls cellular activity, cell division, and heredity.
- Can be mononucleated (one nucleus), binucleated (two nuclei), or multinucleated (more than two nuclei).
- Varies in size, from small to large.
- Can have a variety of shapes, including rounded, oval, flattened, rod shaped, bent rod, horse shoe shaped, kidney shaped, bilobed, segmented, and lobulated.
- The nucleus usually occupies the widest part of the cell. It can be central, eccentric, peripheral, or basal.
- Appears basophilic in H&E staining due to its nucleic acid content.
- Can be vesicular (lightly stained) or condensed (deeply stained), depending on the cell's metabolic activity.
Nucleus Under Electron Microscopy (EM)
- Consists of four main components: nuclear membrane, chromatin, nucleolus, and nuclear sap.
1. Nuclear Membrane (Nuclear Envelope)
- Membrane that encloses the nucleus and separates it from the cytoplasm.
- Appears as a single basophilic line surrounding the nucleus under light microscopy (LM).
- Composed of two membranes: an outer membrane (continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum) and an inner membrane (with chromatin granules attached).
- Contains nuclear pores that regulate the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm .
- Supported by a nuclear lamina formed of intermediate filaments (lamins).
2. Chromatin
- Basophilic material in the nucleus that forms chromosomes.
- Composed of DNA and histone proteins.
- Exists in two forms: euchromatin (extended, active chromatin) and heterochromatin (condensed, inactive chromatin).
3. Nucleolus
- One or more rounded basophilic bodies in the interphase nucleus.
- Involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
- Contains nucleolar organizer regions on satellite chromosomes (13, 14, 15, 21, 22) which carry the genes for rRNA.
- rRNA is conjugated with protein and transported to the cytoplasm as ribosome subunits.
4. Nuclear Sap
- Semifluid, colloidal, clear solution in which chromatin and nucleoli are suspended.
Nuclear Changes Indicating Cell Death
- Pyknosis: The nucleus shrinks, becomes homogenous, darker, and eccentric.
- Karyorrhexis: The nucleus breaks into small fragments.
- Karyolysis: The nucleus dissolves and disappears.
Cell Inclusions
- Non-living materials present in the cytoplasm.
- Includes crystals, stored food (carbohydrates and lipids), pigments, minerals, and tattoo marks.
1. Stored Food
- Carbohydrates: Stored as glycogen granules, mainly in liver cells and muscle fibers.
- Lipids: Stored as small droplets (liver cells) or large globules (fat cells).
2. Pigments
-
Endogenous Pigments: Produced within the body.
- Hemoglobin (red blood cells)
- Hemoglobin derivatives (bilirubin)
- Melanin (skin, hair, eyes)
- Lipofuscin pigment (golden brown, waste product of cellular metabolism)
-
Exogenous Pigments: Ingested from the environment.
- Lipochrome pigments (e.g., carotene from food)
- Dust particles (inhaled, phagocytosed by macrophages in the lung, causing black pigmentation)
3. Minerals
- Can accumulate within cells, sometimes causing disease.
4. Tattoo Marks
- Pigments introduced into the skin, permanently staining it.
Lipofuscin Pigment
- A golden brown pigment that accumulates in cardiac muscle fibers, nerve cells, and hepatocytes.
- Considered a "wear and tear" pigment or residual bodies that are not hydrolyzed by lysosomal enzymes.
- The concentration of lipofuscin increases with age.
Nucleus
- The nucleus is a rounded or elongated structure present in all cells except mature red blood cells and blood platelets.
- It plays a crucial role in controlling cellular metabolic activities and heredity.
- The nucleus is essential for life and is present in all living cells.
- Cells can have one, two, or more nuclei (mononucleated, binucleated, multinucleated).
- The size of the nucleus varies, ranging from small to large.
- The shape of the nucleus can be rounded, oval, flattened, rod-shaped, bent rod, horseshoe shaped, kidney shaped, bilobed, segmented, or lobulated.
- The nucleus usually occupies the widest part of the cell and can be centrally, eccentrically, peripherally, or basally located.
Nucleus Structure
- Under a light microscope (LM), the nucleus appears basophilic due to its content of nucleic acids.
- Vesicular nuclei are lightly stained and have a large amount of nuclear sap.
- Condensed nuclei are deeply stained and have a small amount of nuclear sap.
- Vesicular nuclei are found in metabolically active cells, while condensed nuclei are found in metabolically inactive cells.
- Under an electron microscope (EM), the nucleus consists of four components:
- Nuclear membrane (nuclear envelope)
- Chromatin
- Nucleolus
- Nuclear sap.
Nuclear Membrane
- The nuclear membrane encloses the nucleus and separates it from the cytoplasm.
- It appears as a single basophilic line under a light microscope.
- The nuclear membrane consists of two membranes:
- Outer membrane: Continuous with the membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and has ribosomes on its surface.
- Inner membrane: Has chromatin granules attached to its inner surface.
- The nuclear membrane is supported by the nuclear lamina, which is formed of intermediate filaments (lamins).
- The nuclear membrane is interrupted by nuclear pores, which allow for the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the surrounding cytoplasm.
Chromatin
- Chromatin is the basophilic material from which chromosomes are formed.
- It is a nucleoprotein composed of DNA and histone proteins.
- Euchromatin is extended chromatin considered active.
- Heterochromatin is condensed chromatin considered inactive.
- Euchromatin directs protein synthesis and appears as clear areas under a light microscope.
- Heterochromatin does not direct protein synthesis and appears as fine or coarse basophilic granules under a light microscope.
- Under an electron microscope, euchromatin appears as shades of gray, while heterochromatin appears as electron-dense granules.
- Euchromatin occupies the more central regions of the nucleus, while heterochromatin is found peripherally.
Nucleolus
- The nucleolus is one or more rounded basophilic bodies found in the interphase nuclei.
- It is not surrounded by a membrane.
- The nucleolus is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and is prominent in cells actively synthesizing protein.
- It stains basophilic due to the presence of nucleolar-associated chromatin and its ribonucleic acid (RNA) content.
- The genes that code for rRNA are known as nucleolar organizers and are found on satellite chromosomes (13, 14, 15, 21, 22).
- rRNA is conjugated with protein and migrates to the cytoplasm as ribosome subunits.
Nuclear Sap
- Nuclear sap is a semifluid colloidal solution in which chromatin and nucleoli are suspended.
Cell Inclusions
- Cell inclusions are non-living materials found in the cytoplasm.
- They include:
- Crystals
- Stored food (carbohydrates and lipids)
- Pigments
- Endogenous pigments: hemoglobin, hemoglobin derivatives (e.g., bilirubin), melanin, lipofuscin pigment
- Exogenous pigments: lipochrome pigments (e.g., carotene), dust
- Minerals
- Tattoo marks
Stored Food
- Carbohydrates are stored in the cell as glycogen granules, found in liver cells and muscle fibers.
- Lipids are stored as small droplets in liver cells and large globules in connective tissue fat cells.
Pigments
- Lipofuscin pigment is a golden-brown pigment found in cardiac muscle fibers, nerve cells, and hepatocytes.
- It is considered a wear-and-tear pigment or residual bodies that are not hydrolyzed by lysosomal enzymes.
- Lipofuscin pigment increases with age.
Nuclear Changes Indicating Cell Death
- Pyknosis: The nucleus becomes homogeneous, smaller, darker, and eccentric.
- Karyorrhexis: The nucleus breaks into small fragments.
- Karyolysis: The nucleus dissolves and finally disappears.
The Nucleus
- The nucleus is a crucial organelle found in all cells except mature red blood cells and platelets.
- It controls all cellular metabolic activities and plays a vital role in cell division and heredity.
- The nucleus can be mononucleated (one nucleus), binucleated (two nuclei), or multinucleated (more than two nuclei).
- The size of the nucleus varies, with some cells having small nuclei while others have large nuclei like the ovum and some ganglion cells.
- The shape of the nucleus can be rounded, oval, flattened, rod-shaped, bent rod, horseshoe-shaped, kidney-shaped, bilobed, segmented, or lobulated.
- The position of the nucleus is typically in the widest part of the cell, but it can be central, eccentric, peripheral, or basal.
- Under a light microscope (LM), the nucleus appears basophilic due to its nucleic acid content.
- The nucleus can be categorized as vesicular (open-face) or condensed.
- Vesicular nuclei are lightly stained and contain a large amount of nuclear sap, found in metabolically active cells like nerve cells.
- Condensed nuclei are deeply stained, with their details not easily identifiable and contain a small amount of nuclear sap, found in metabolically inactive cells like small lymphocytes.
- Under an electron microscope (EM), the nucleus consists of four primary components:
- Nuclear membrane (nuclear envelope): Encloses the nucleus and separates it from the cytoplasm. It appears as a single basophilic line under LM.
- Chromatin: Basophilic material comprised of DNA and histone proteins, from which chromosomes are formed.
- Nucleolus: One or more rounded basophilic bodies present in interphase nuclei, involved in rRNA synthesis.
- Nuclear sap: Semifluid colloidal clear solution where chromatin and nucleoli are suspended.
Nuclear Membrane (Nuclear Envelope)
- The nuclear membrane is a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
- The outer membrane is continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and has ribosomes attached to its surface.
- The inner membrane has chromatin granules attached to its inner surface, forming peripheral chromatin.
- The nuclear envelope is supported by a nuclear lamina composed of intermediate filaments (lamins).
- The nuclear envelope is interrupted by nuclear pores, which allow for exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Mutations in the gene responsible for lamin synthesis can lead to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, characterized by accelerated aging, slow growth, and distinctive features.
Chromatin
- Chromatin is a nucleoprotein composed of DNA and histone proteins.
- It exists in two forms:
- Euchromatin (extended chromatin): Is active chromatin, carrying active genes and responsible for protein synthesis. It appears as clear areas under LM and shades of grey under EM.
- Heterochromatin (condensed chromatin): Is inactive chromatin, carrying inactive genes and not involved in protein synthesis. It appears as fine or coarse basophilic granules under LM and electron dense granules under EM.
- Euchromatin occupies central regions of the nucleus, while heterochromatin is found peripherally and associated with the nucleolus.
Nucleolus
- The nucleolus is a prominent structure in the nucleus, especially in cells actively synthesizing proteins.
- It is not enclosed by a membrane and appears basophilic under LM due to its RNA content and surrounding nucleolar associated chromatin.
- The nucleolus plays a critical role in rRNA synthesis, as it contains the nucleolar organizer regions on satellite chromosomes (13, 14, 15, 21, 22) where rRNA genes are located.
- rRNA is synthesized, conjugated with proteins, and transported through the nuclear pores as ribosome subunits.
- In tumor cells, nucleoli are often larger, more irregular, and more numerous compared to normal cells.
Nuclear Sap
- Nuclear sap is a semifluid, clear solution in which chromatin and nucleoli are suspended.
Nuclear Changes Indicating Cell Death
- Pyknosis: The nucleus becomes smaller, denser, homogenous, and eccentrically positioned.
- Karyorrhexis: The nucleus breaks into small fragments.
- Karyolysis: The nucleus dissolves and disappears.
Cell Inclusions
- Cell inclusions are non-living materials found within the cytoplasm.
- Examples of cell inclusions are:
- Crystals: Various crystals can be found in cells, with varied structures and compositions.
-
Stored food:
- Carbohydrates: Stored as glycogen granules, commonly found in liver cells and muscle fibers.
- Lipids: Stored as droplets or globules, with small droplets present in liver cells and large globules found in fat cells of connective tissue.
-
Pigments: Colored substances visible in cells without staining. They can be endogenous or exogenous.
-
Endogenous pigments: Produced within the body.
- Examples include hemoglobin, bilirubin, melanin, and lipofuscin pigment.
-
Exogenous pigments: Originate from outside the body.
- Examples include lipochrome pigments (e.g., carotene), dust, and tattoo marks.
-
Endogenous pigments: Produced within the body.
- Minerals: Various minerals can be present in cells.
- Tattoo marks: Pigments injected into the skin.
Lipofuscin Pigment
- Lipofuscin pigment is a golden brown pigment found in cardiac muscle fibers, nerve cells, and hepatocytes.
- It is considered a "wear and tear" pigment or residual bodies that are not broken down by lysosomal enzymes.
- Its accumulation increases with age.
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Description
Explore the essential features of the nucleus, an organelle that plays a crucial role in cellular control and heredity. This quiz covers its various shapes, sizes, and structures observed under light and electron microscopy. Test your knowledge on mononucleated, binucleated, and multinucleated forms as well as the components of the nuclear membrane.