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Difference Between Nucleus And Nucleoid

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Nucleus and nucleoid both carry the genetic material of cell. But nucleus is double membrane closed organelle and the nucleoid is present in Prokaryotes. In a living organism, there is the center of activity that control cell growth and reproduction and is responsible for the transfer of the genetic material of particular species from generation to generation. In eukaryotes in their center, a well-developed organelle is covered by a double membrane layer and contains genetic material called the nucleus, and in prokaryotes in their center also have genetic material and is an unorganized structure found that is not covered by the double membrane structure called the nucleoid.

Nucleus

The nucleus found in eukaryotes is fully enclosed by a double membrane, it contains genetic materials composition of DNA, RNA, Histones & Protein. Gene is being transferred from generation to generation. It controls cell growth, regulation, synthesis, and reproduction.

Structure of Nucleus

Nuclear Envelop: The nuclear envelope is a bilayer and well-developed structure found in eukaryotic cells that surround the nucleus in cells, it contains about 10% of cells volume. The double membrane structure is composed of a phospholipids bilayer that separates the cell from the cytoplasm to the nucleus with each other. Bilayer contains nuclear pores that allow the exchange of biomolecules in and out of the nucleus. 

Nucleolus: Nucleolus is a less organized structure within the nucleus that contains RNA and Protein. Nucleolus contains ribosomes that carry out the synthesis to start cells to divide, it produces subunits of RNA. During the synthesis of protein, all components of RNA and Proteins come together to form ribosomes.

Nucleoplasm: The nucleoplasm form of aqueous substances contains organic and inorganic dissolved materials within the nuclear membrane. It is also known as karyoplasm, composition the same as cytoplasm. Protect genetic material by its ionic balance. 

For more information read: Nucleus

Nucleoid

Archaea and bacteria and prokaryotes are unicellular and do not have membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes have an irregular shape and condensed structure found that contain all types of genetic material (DNA, RNA & Ribosomes). Like in eukaryotes, prokaryotes do not have a membrane-bound nucleus that exists and nucleoid directly attaches to the cytoplasm that’s why it is an irregular structure.

In addition to DNA, RNA & Histones nucleoid makes very compact structure in a continuous thread. Due to the absence of a well-organized structure of the nucleus replication starts in the cytoplasm, which has a reduced environment and leads to a high rate of mutation in DNA.

Difference between Nucleus and Nucleoid

 

Nucleus

Nucleoid

            Definition

The nucleus membrane-bound is a double membrane-bound membrane organelle found in eukaryotic cells, it contains genetic materials.

Prokaryotes contain genetic material but it is not well a developed organized structure called a nucleoid.

Volume in a cell

Well, organized contains a structure of about 10% of cells volume.

Unorganized structure.

Genetic material

Contains several genetic materials DNA, RNA & Protein.

Contains chromosomes only.

 Shape

The nucleus is spherical in shape.

Irregular shape found.

Membrane structure

Contains a double membrane structure and nuclear pore structure. 

Do not contain membrane-bound structures.

Passage in organelle

The nuclear pore is present for the exchange of the biomolecule inside and outside of the nucleus to maintain the concentration of the nucleus.

Does not exchange any molecule it is an irregular enclosed structure.

Cellular Fluid

Nucleoplasm Present in the nucleus.

No nucleoplasm was found.

Genetic Material Presents

Composition of DNA, RNA, Histone & Ribosomes presents.

Contains DNA, RNA & Histones.

Similarities between Nucleus and Nucleoid

  • The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains genetic material, nucleoid also contains genetic material it is a condensed thread-like structure.
  • Both contain DNA & RNA as genetic material.
  • The nucleus and nucleoid both are the centers for the replication to be initiated.
  • The final step of replication of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes ends in the cytoplasm only.

Conclusion

Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles, the nucleus is one of them it is well organized and double membrane-bound and round-shaped structure, and it has nuclear pore complexes present that lead to the transfer of the ions and genetic material initiation of replication in the nucleus leads reducing the chance of mutation. In nucleolus has a nucleoplasm that maintains pH and balance in osmolarity by nuclear pore complexes and contains RNA and ribosomes.

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, nucleoid is a highly condensed irregularly shaped structure that contains genetic materials. Nucleoids in direct contact with the cytoplasm lead to a high rate of mutation as compared to eukaryotes.

FAQs on Nucleus and Nucleoid 

Question 1: What is a nucleoid?

Answer:

An irregular shaped structure contains genetic material, found in prokaryotes.

Question 2: What is a nucleus?

Answer:

Double membrane bound organelles contains genetic material, found in eukaryotes.

Question 3: What are the major functions of a nucleus?

Answer:

The major function of the nucleus is to store genetic material and coordinate with a cellular mechanism to start replication for cell division.

Question 4: What supports the nucleus to maintain there shape?

Answer:

Nuclear lamina is made up of lamin protein that lines with the inner nuclear envelope of nucleus, supports the nucleus maintain there regular shape. 

Question 5: Cajal bodies found in?

Answer:

Cajal bodies are found in the nucleus, their main function is cell division (equal distribution of chromosomal DNA).


Last Updated : 03 Apr, 2023
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