University of Texas Medical Branch

Cell Biology Graduate Program

Structure/function correlations

The cell nucleus is a remarkable organelle because it forms the package for our genes and their controlling factors. It functions to:

Store genes on chromosomes
Organize genes into chromosomes to allow cell division.
Transport regulatory factors & gene products via nuclear pores
Produce messages ( messenger Ribonucleic acid or mRNA) that code for proteins
Produce ribosomes in the nucleolus
Organize the uncoiling of DNA to replicate  key genes

For updated information please consult: http://www.cytochemistry.net/Cell-biology/Nucleus.htm
For other Cell Biology topics, consult: http://www.cell-biology.org/

The purpose of this presentation will be to show how the nucleus is structured to perform these functions. As you study the presentation, consult your text, Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Pub., N.Y., Third Edition, 1994 pp 335-336 for more information and photos.