State the function of the nucleus.
Question
State the function of the nucleus.
Solution
The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell. It has two primary functions:
- It is responsible for storing the cell's hereditary material, or DNA.
- It coordinates the cell's activities, which include growth, intermediary metabolism, protein synthesis, and reproduction (cell division).
In more detail:
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Storing the cell's hereditary material: The nucleus contains the majority of the cell's genetic material in the form of multiple linear DNA molecules organized into structures called chromosomes. Each human cell has about 2 meters of DNA.
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Coordinating the cell's activities: The nucleus controls and regulates the activities of the cell (e.g., growth and metabolism) and carries the genes. The genes are the blueprint for making proteins, which are needed for the body to function correctly. The nucleus sends messages to the cell to grow, mature, divide, or even die. It also houses nucleoli, small organelles that synthesize proteins and RNA, which are vital for cell function.
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