A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains most of the cell‘s genetic material and helps regulate gene activity and cellular functions.
The nucleus contains most of a human cell’s DNA, organized into structures called chromosomes. It helps control which genes are active and therefore influences the proteins and functional RNA molecules produced by the cell.
The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear envelope containing pores that regulate movement of substances between the nucleus and the surrounding cytoplasm.
QUICK FACT
Most human cells have one nucleus, but some specialized cells have more than one, while mature red blood cells have no nucleus.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Mitochondria: Both contain DNA, but the nucleus contains the vast majority of a human cell‘s genetic material, while mitochondria contain a much smaller, separate genome.
SEE ALSO
- Organelle
- DNA
- Gene
- Genetic Material
- Mitochondria
- Chromosome