Structure of the Nucleus

Question 1

how can we see the nucleus?

Answer 1

stained with DAPI

Question 2

what does the nucleus do?

Answer 2

stores genomic DNA
replicates genomic DNA once every cell cycle
express genes at the right time and in the right cell type
communicate w/ cytoplasm

Question 3

whats the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes in terms of transcription?

Answer 3

pro - coupled

euk - uncoupled

Question 4

what can the embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

Answer 4

neural cell types - mast cell w/ histamine granules

monocyte and red blood cells

Question 5

why should we care about nuclear structure?

Answer 5

increasing evidence that the structure of the nucleus and interactions between sub nuclear domains are vital for correct gene expression 
links to human disease
leukemia 
CAG triplet disease
spinal muscular atrophy

Question 6

name some nuclear domains?

Answer 6

PcG body 
heterochromatin 
cleavage body 
nuclear pore complex
OPT domain 
RNA polymerase transcription factor 
nuclear speckles 
cajal body and gem

Question 7

how are chromosomes structured?

Answer 7

in discrete territories

Question 8

what makes up the nucleolus?

Answer 8

makes ribosomes
fibrillar centre - site of encoding rRNA
dense fibrillar component - side of rRNA processing
granular component - site of assembly of ribosome subunits

Question 9

what are nuclear speckles?

Answer 9

dynamic
storage sites for splicing factors that aren’t actively involved in splicing
proteins can move in/out

Question 10

what are nuclear bodies?

Answer 10

spherical
various roles in gene expression
e.g CBs and gems which are separate in SH - SY5Y neuroblastoma cells but co-localise following differentiation with RA