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The Nucleus01:32

The Nucleus

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The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that acts as a control center in a eukaryotic cell. It contains chromosomal DNA, which controls gene expression and precisely regulates the production of proteins within the cell. In contrast, the DNA inside the mitochondria and chloroplast only carries out functions that are specific to those organelles.
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The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals. 
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The Nucleolus02:55

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The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
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Isolation of nuclei in media containing an inert polymer to mimic the crowded cytoplasm.

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Preface. New models of the cell nucleus: crowding, entropic forces, phase separation, and fractals.

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Using Computer Vision Libraries to Streamline Nuclei Quantification
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The crowded nucleus.

Ronald Hancock1

  • 1Laval University Cancer Research Centre, CRCHUQ-Oncology, Québec, Canada; Biosystems Group, Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|January 2, 2014
PubMed
Summary

New insights from polymer and colloid science reveal that the nucleus is organized by simple physicochemical principles governing concentrated macromolecule interactions. This understanding clarifies nuclear organization and its sensitivity to changes.

Keywords:
ChromosomesDepletion forceEntropic forceMacromolecular crowdingNuclear compartmentsNuclear structurePhase separation

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Polymer Science
  • Colloid Science
  • Soft-Matter Physics

Background:

  • Recent advances in polymer, colloid, and soft-matter science have enhanced understanding of nuclear organization.
  • Macromolecules and chromosomes are confined at high concentrations within the nuclear envelope.
  • Their interactions are governed by both familiar forces (van der Waals, electrostatic) and short-range depletion/entropic forces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explain the physicochemical principles governing nuclear organization.
  • To highlight the importance of understanding colloid and polymer science for cell biologists.
  • To provide background for detailed discussions on nuclear organization.

Main Methods:

  • The study integrates principles from polymer, colloid, and soft-matter science.
  • It analyzes macromolecule interactions within the concentrated environment of the nucleus.
  • Focuses on physicochemical principles governing the nuclear equilibrium.

Main Results:

  • Nuclear organization is maintained by a delicate equilibrium of concentrated macromolecules.
  • Simple physicochemical principles, including entropic forces, are key to nuclear organization.
  • The sensitivity of this equilibrium may explain debates surrounding the nuclear matrix/scaffold.

Conclusions:

  • The nucleus operates based on fundamental physicochemical principles applicable to concentrated macromolecule systems.
  • Familiarity with colloid, polymer, and soft-matter science is crucial for cell biologists.
  • This framework provides a basis for understanding nuclear structure and function.