SIX - The nucleus and the nucleic acids

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview on the nucleus and the nucleic acids. The shape of the nucleus may vary from a rounded spherical to even a branched shape. Most cells contain only one nucleus, but some liver cells may contain two nuclei. Nuclei may be granular in nature or have a massive or vesicular structure. In granular nuclei, there are many small particles of chromatin scattered more or less evenly throughout the nucleus. Massive nuclei stain intensely, appear homogeneous, and do not have an obvious nuclear membrane. The most usual type of nucleus is the vesicular nucleus. The nucleus is known to contain two types of nucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and ribonucleic acid. It contains basic proteins and other proteins that include enzymes, phospholipids, various phosphate compounds, and a number of inorganic compounds. Two enzymes that have been found in the isolated nucleus are DNA polymerase that catalyzes the synthesis of nucleotide polymers to form DNA and RNA polymerase, which does the same thing for RNA.