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Title: The Nucleus
Description: Detailed description of the Nucleus, including structure, function, and activity. Taken from Intro to Biology lectures by Tim Whalley at the University of Stirling.
Description: Detailed description of the Nucleus, including structure, function, and activity. Taken from Intro to Biology lectures by Tim Whalley at the University of Stirling.
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Textbook chapter 7 pgs 176178
Genomes
● The complete set of genes in a cell or an organism
● Made of DNA
● Contains information for all of an organism’s cell types
● Expressed through transcription & translation
● Allows for phenotypic variation within cells or organisms
Information Flow
● DNA (the genome) in the nucleus specifies activity
● DNA is transcribed to RNA
● Premrna becomes mrna through RNA processing
● mRNA codes for amino acids
● Ribosomes bind to mRNA
● Ribosomes translate mrna into proteins
The Nucleus
● Most dna is in nucleus
○ Small amounts in mitochondria and chloroplasts (plants)
The Nuclear Envelope
● A double membrane that separates nucleus from cytoplasm
● Lumen: The region between the two lipid bilayers of the nuclear envelope
● Each membrane is a lipid bilayer with proteins
● “The nucleus is studded with complex protein structures called nuclear pores”
○ 2way traffic through pores
○ Proteins for DNA synthesis into nucleus and RNA out of
○ Protein structure called pore complex lines each pore
● Inside of envelope is lined with a protein “lattice” called the nuclear lamina
○ Supports & shapes nucleus
● Envelope disappears transiently when cell divides
○ By reversible disassembly of the nuclear lattice when the cell reaches the proper
phase
Nuclear Pores
● Typical nucleus as ~3000 pores
● Can be seen w/ electron microscopy
○ Shows internal & external structures of pores
● On outside there are projections called cytoplasmic filaments
● On inside is nuclear basket
● Central transporter vital in movement
● Made of >100 proteins arranged precisely
●
Use “shuffle proteins” to move proteins and molecules in and out of nucleus
Nuclear Lamina
● Electron microscopy shows network of fibers inside of nuclear envelope
● Made of a group of proteins called lamins
● Point at which nuclear matrix (inside nucleus) attaches
● Organizes DNA within nucleus
Arrangement of DNA
● Arranged into discrete chromosomes
● Each human cell has 46 chromosomes
● Each is made of chromatin: DNA and specific proteins
● In nondividing cells, chromosomes are kept separated in the nucleus forming
chromosome territories
DNA Structure Determines Usage
● Not all dna is used the same
● Degree of compression determines its role
● Decondensed DNA (euchromatin) can be accessed readily for transcription
● Condensed DNA (heterochromatin) cannot be easily transcribed
● DNA can switch forms under specific circumstances
The Nucleolus
● The site at which ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized
● Is in nondividing cells
● Entering proteins combine with rRNA to form ribosomal subunits
● Subunits exit the nucleus and are used to synthesize proteins
Ribosomes
● Nucleus copies specific genes into mRNA
● mRNA leaves nucleus and is translated into amino acids
● tRNAs deliver amino acids in order specified by mRNA
● Ribosomes translate amino acids into protein
● Not membranebound so not considered organelles
Ribosome Structure
● Made of small & large subunits
○ Each made of proteins and rRNA encoded in genome
● Subunites are assembled in the nucleus & leave via pores
● Ribosomes form around mRNA molecules in order to make protein
2 Types of Synthesis
● Some ribosomes exist freely in cytoplasm
●
○ Mainly synthesize cytosolic proteins
Many attach to ER, forming Rough ER
○ Synthesis site of PM, ER, Golgi, endosome, lysosome, & extracellular proteins
Title: The Nucleus
Description: Detailed description of the Nucleus, including structure, function, and activity. Taken from Intro to Biology lectures by Tim Whalley at the University of Stirling.
Description: Detailed description of the Nucleus, including structure, function, and activity. Taken from Intro to Biology lectures by Tim Whalley at the University of Stirling.