What is the Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleolus?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The nucleus and nucleolus are both components of eukaryotic cells, but they have distinct differences:
- Size: The nucleus is a large, membrane-bound organelle, while the nucleolus is a smaller, non-membrane bound sub-organelle found inside the nucleus.
- Function: The nucleus houses the chromosomes and Genetic material of a eukaryotic organism and plays a crucial role in controlling cellular activities and regulating gene expression. The nucleolus, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for the synthesis of ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis.
- Nuclear Pores: The nucleus contains nuclear pores, which facilitate the selective transport of molecules through the membrane. The nucleolus does not have nuclear pores.
- Structure: The nucleus is rich in DNA, the genetic material, while the nucleolus is rich in RNA and proteins.
- Chromosomes: The nucleus contains chromosomes, which carry an organism's genetic material. The nucleolus does not hold any chromosomes.
In summary, the nucleus is a larger, membrane-bound organelle that houses the chromosomes and genetic material, while the nucleolus is a smaller, non-membrane bound sub-organelle that primarily synthesizes ribosomes.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleolus? Comparative Table: Nucleus vs Nucleolus
Comparative Table: Nucleus vs Nucleolus
Here is a table highlighting the differences between the nucleus and the nucleolus:
Feature | Nucleus | Nucleolus |
---|---|---|
Size | Large, membrane-bound organelle | Very small, sub-organelle inside the nucleus |
Location | Occupies a large portion of the cell | Occupies about 25% of the nucleus' volume |
Boundary | Enclosed by the nuclear envelope | Has no limiting membrane |
Contents | Contains chromosomes with genetic material | Does not hold any chromosomes |
DNA/RNA Content | Rich in DNA | Rich in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) |
Function | Houses the cell's genetic material and controls gene expression | Synthesizes ribosomes and participates in assembling the ribosomes, alteration of transfer RNA, and sensing cellular stress |
In summary, the nucleus is a large membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell's genetic material and controls gene expression, while the nucleolus is a smaller sub-organelle inside the nucleus that primarily synthesizes ribosomes and participates in other cellular functions.
Read more:
- Nucleus vs Nucleoid
- Cytoplasm vs Nucleoplasm
- Ganglia vs Nuclei
- Chromatin vs Nucleosome
- Histones vs Nucleosomes
- Nucleotide vs Nucleic Acid
- Ribosome vs Centrosome
- Generative Nucleus vs Pollen Tube Nucleus
- Micronucleus vs Macronucleus
- Centriole vs Centrosome
- Centromere vs Centriole
- Cell Division vs Nuclear Division
- DNA vs RNA Nucleotide
- Centriole vs Centromere
- Chromatin vs Chromosomes
- Nuclear Lamina vs Nuclear Matrix
- Centrosome vs Centromere
- Nucleotide vs Nucleoside
- Lysosomes vs Ribosomes