Nucleoid
Nucleoid
The Nucleoid (/njuːklɪɔɪd/; from Latin: nucleus, "kernel") is a region within the cell of a prokaryote where the chromosome is located.
Etymology
The term "nucleoid" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus," meaning kernel, and the Greek suffix "-oid," meaning like or similar. It was coined to describe the nucleus-like region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is stored.
Description
The nucleoid is an irregularly-shaped region within the cell of a prokaryote that contains all or most of the genetic material. Unlike the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, the nucleoid is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane. This is one of the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The genetic material within the nucleoid is typically a circular, double-stranded piece of DNA, which is called the bacterial chromosome.
Related Terms
- Prokaryote: A type of cell that does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria and archaea are examples of prokaryotes.
- Eukaryote: A type of cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are examples of eukaryotes.
- Chromosome: A structure within the cell that contains genetic material. Chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nucleoid
- Wikipedia's article - Nucleoid
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