The Eight Critical Functions of the Nucleus
The nucleus is an essential organelle, which is found in eukaryotic cells. This crucial component of the eukaryotic cell carries the better part of the cell's genetic material. This material is organized as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules and a variety of proteins to form chromosomes, which are also known as "protein factories". So, what does the nucleus do?
It should be noted that the nucleus plays more than one essential role in the body. These roles are described as follows:
1. The Nucleus Controls an Organism's Heredity/Hereditary Characteristics
In genetics, there is something known as "heredity". This is simply the characteristics we acquire from our parents or people close to us genetically. An example of heredity is to have a certain type of eyes or any other physical characteristic similar to one of your parent's or somebody in your family's. This is controlled by the nucleus.
2. The Storage of Heredity Material In the Form of DNA strands
Another important function of the nucleus is the storage of heredity material in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) strands. As if that were not enough, the organelle also stores proteins as well as ribonucleic acid (RNA).
3. The Nucleus Maintains Cellular Metabolism
In every living organism, there is a set of chemical reactions that take place to maintain life. These reactions are known as "Cellular metabolism". They entail complicated sequences of controlled biochemical reactions referred to as "metabolic pathways".
Do you know what maintains these complex reactions? It is the very same nucleus, which does so by regulating the synthesis of certain enzymes that power cellular metabolism.
4. The Nucleus Is In Charge of Cell Division/Growth/Differentiation and Protein Synthesis Processes
What does the nucleus do apart from the above tasks? Well, the organelle is responsible for cell division/growth/differentiation and protein synthesis processes. All of these processes make sure living organisms are able to grow and develop successfully.
5. The Transcription Process Zone for RNA (mRNA) Messengers
The nucleus provides an optimum environment for the transcription process in which the messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA) are produced ahead of protein synthesis. For your information, protein synthesis is the process in which protein molecules are produced.
6. The Exchange of Hereditary Materials Within the Cell
Another important function of the nucleus is to take part in the exchange of heredity materials within the cell. The hereditary materials we are referring to here are deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid.
7. The Production of Ribosomes
The nucleolus also produces ribosomes, which are known as "protein factories". These are particles made up of RNA and associated proteins. Their primary tasks are to bind messenger ribonucleic acid and transfer ribonucleic acid to the sites for polypeptides and protein synthesis within the cell.
8. The Regulation of the Integrity of Genes and Gene Expression
Again, in genetics, there is something called "gene'' integrity. Living things of the same species generally have a shared genetic profile. Individual organisms in which this profile has not been tampered with are said to have genetic integrity.
Then there is something else called "gene expression". This is simply the process by which information is taken from a gene and used in the production of a functional gene product. Functional gene products can be proteins, proteins, messenger RNA and small nuclear RNA genes.
The final important function of the nucleus is to regulate the integrity of genes as well as gene expression. More of this information is covered in advanced genetic. Be sure to check out online sources if you wish to learn more about gene integrity and gene expression.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the functions of the nucleus and it is my hope that the next time you are asked to list them, you will pass the exam or assignment. In summary, the nucleus controls an organism's heredity/hereditary characteristics, stores heredity material in the form of DNA strands and maintains cellular metabolism. In addition, it remains in charge of cell division/growth/differentiation & protein synthesis processes and provides the optimum transcription process environment for RNA (mRNA) messengers. Finally, the nucleus helps with the exchange of hereditary materials within the cell, the production of ribosomes and the regulation of the integrity of genes and gene expression.
