What is the cell nucleus?
Q: What is the cell nucleus?
A: The cell nucleus is an organelle that contains the cell's genes and controls its growth and reproduction. It has a double layered nuclear membrane around it, and works as the cell's control center.
Q: What does the nucleus contain?
A: The nucleus contains chromosomes which house DNA, proteins, RNA molecules, and a nucleolus.
Q: Who discovered cell nuclei?
A: Cell nuclei were first found by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 17th century.
Q: Are all eukaryote organisms single-celled?
A: No, not all eukaryote organisms are single-celled. Many eukaryotes are single-celled but there are also many multi-cellular eukaryotes.
Q: Do prokaryotes have nuclei?
A: No, prokaryotes such as bacteria and archaea do not have nuclei in their cells.
Q: What happens inside the nucleus?
A: Inside the nucleus proteins, RNA molecules, chromosomes and a nucleolus can be found. In the nucleolus ribosomes are put together before being exported to the cytoplasm where they translate mRNA into proteins.
Q: When can chromosomes be seen with a light microscope?
A: When a cell is dividing or preparing to divide, its chromosomes become visible with a light microscope. At other times when they cannot be seen directly, then the nucleolus will be visible instead.
