Plant Cell Nucleus And Functions of Plant Cell Nucleus

Plant Cell Nucleus

Nuclus is the largest organelle in eukaryotic cells. It is surrounded by two membranes. Each one is a phospholipid bilayer containing many different types of proteins. The inner nuclear membrane defines the nucleus itself. In many cells the outer nuclear membrane is continuous with the rough ER and the space between the inner and outer nuclear membrane is continuous with the lumen of the rough ER.

The two nuclear membranes appear to fuse at the nuclear pores. These ring like pores are constructed of a specific set of membrane proteins and these act like channels that regulate the movement of substances between thenucleus and the cytosol.

In a growing of differentiating cell, the nucleus is metabolically active, producing DNA and RNA. The RNA is exported through nuclear pores to the cytoplasm for use in protein synthesis. In 'resting' cells, the nucleus is inactive or dormant and minimal synthesis of DNA and RNA takes place.

In a nucleus that is not dividing, the chromosomes are dispersed and not thick enough to be observed in the light microscope. Only during cell divisons the chromosomes become visible b y light microscopy. Chromosomes form the physical basis of heredity. Genes, the chemical basis of heredity, are arranged in linear fashion on the chromosomes. A sub organelle of the nucleus, the nucleolus is easily recognized under light microscope. Most of the ribosomal RNA of a cell is synthesized in the nucleolus. The finished or partly finished ribosomal sub units pass through a nuclear pore into the cytosol.

The non nucleolar regions of the nucleus is called the nucleoplasm. It has very high DNA concentration. Fibrous proteins called lamins form a two dimensional network along the inner surface of the inner membrane giving it shape and apparently binding DNA to it. During the early stages of cell division breakdown of this network occurs.

Functions of Nucleus

   It controls all the metabolic activities of the cell by controlling the synthesis of enzymes required.

   Nucleus controls the inheritance of characters from parents to offspring.

   Nucleus controls cell division.