Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
05:47
A Direct Force Probe for Measuring Mechanical Integration Between the Nucleus and the Cytoskeleton
Published on: July 29, 2018
Considering nuclear compartmentalization in the light of nuclear dynamics
Jonathan R Chubb1, Wendy A Bickmore
1MRC Human Genetics Unit, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
Cell
|February 26, 2003
Summary
Nuclear compartments form and function despite rapid protein movement. This review explores how dynamic nuclear protein mobility influences nuclear structure and organization.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The nucleus contains distinct compartments where proteins and chromatin are localized.
- Nuclear protein and chromatin organization are crucial for cellular functions.
- Previously, nuclear compartments were thought to be static structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the formation and function of nuclear compartments.
- To explore how highly mobile nuclear proteins contribute to nuclear organization.
- To reconcile the concept of nuclear compartments with rapid protein diffusion.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, not an experimental study.
- Literature review of studies on nuclear protein dynamics and nuclear organization.
- Analysis of theoretical models and experimental evidence regarding nuclear compartmentalization.
Main Results:
- Nuclear proteins are highly mobile within the nucleus.
- Despite rapid diffusion, stable nuclear compartments exist.
- Dynamic protein mobility plays a role in the formation and maintenance of nuclear compartments.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear compartmentalization is compatible with high protein mobility.
- The dynamic nature of nuclear proteins is essential for nuclear function and organization.
- Understanding nuclear protein dynamics is key to understanding nuclear architecture.
Related Concept Videos
03:18Nuclear Stability
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
02:13Nuclear Binding Energy
The difference between the calculated and experimentally measured masses is known as the mass defect of the atom. In the case of helium-4, the mass defect indicates a “loss” in mass of 4.0331 amu – 4.0026 amu = 0.0305 amu. The loss in mass accompanying the formation of an atom from protons, neutrons, and electrons is due to the conversion of that mass into energy that is evolved as the atom forms. The nuclear binding energy is the energy produced when the atoms’ nucleons are bound together;...
02:36Nuclear Power
Controlled nuclear fission reactions are used to generate electricity. Any nuclear reactor that produces power via the fission of uranium or plutonium by bombardment with neutrons has six components: nuclear fuel consisting of fissionable material, a nuclear moderator, a neutron source, control rods, reactor coolant, and a shield and containment system.
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuel consists of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, which must be present in sufficient quantity to provide a...
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuel consists of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, which must be present in sufficient quantity to provide a...
01:08Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin
All atomic particles possess an intrinsic angular momentum, or 'spin'. Electrons, protons, and neutrons each have a spin value of ½, although protons and neutrons in nuclei may have higher half-integer spins owing to energetic factors.
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
00:59Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Magnetic Moment
All atomic nuclei are positively charged. When they have a nonzero spin, they behave like rotating charges. As a consequence of their charge and spin, these nuclei generate a magnetic field (B). This, in turn, gives rise to a magnetic moment (μ), which is randomly oriented in the absence of an external magnetic field. When an external magnetic field (B0) is applied, the magnetic moment vectors can align with the field or against it in 2 + 1 orientations. A hydrogen nucleus, which is just a...
01:14Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Population Distribution
Near absolute zero temperatures, in the presence of a magnetic field, the majority of nuclei prefer the lower energy spin-up state to the higher energy spin-down state. As temperatures increase, the energy from thermal collisions distributes the spins more equally between the two states. The Boltzmann distribution equation gives the ratio of the number of spins predicted in the spin −½ (N−) and spin +½ (N+) states.