The nucleus of a cell is like the brain of the human body; it controls the cell's operations. This tutorial is designed to examine the structure and function of a cell's nucleus. You will also compare the structure of the nucleus in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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Nucleus structure and function


Function of the nucleus:

The function of the nucleus is to control all of the cells activities. The nucleus is often referred to as the “brain” of the cell.



Structure of a nucleus:

Nuclear envelope- membrane surrounding the nucleus. Acts to protect the nucleus

Chromatin- contains genetic material (DNA). Chromatin basically directs the cell so it knows what to do and is able to carry out the functions necessary of it. The function of each specific cell depends on the type of cell it is such as a plant cell or a brain cell or a red blood cell for example.

Nucleolus- makes ribosomes which make proteins which are needed as enzymes to produce ATP from glucose.  

Nucleus diagram