Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid with Structure
Krati Saraswat23 May, 2025
Share
Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid: In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is an organelle with a biological cell membrane. It has every cell's genome in it. It is the composition of DNA, RNA, and histones. The nucleus aids in regulating and controlling cellular processes, including growth and metabolism. It carries the genes, which are structures holding genetic information.
Within a prokaryotic cell, the nucleoid is the part of the cell that contains the genophore, or genetic information. Bacteria and archaea are two subgroups of prokaryotes that are both unicellular creatures. Organelles confined to membranes are absent from these species. Furthermore, the nucleoid is surrounded by no membrane. It links the cytoplasm and is affixed to the cell membrane. Moreover, it does not accept any consistent size or shape. It is still distinguishable from the remainder of the cell under a light microscope. Read the complete article for the difference between nucleus and nucleoid.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
| NEET Biology MCQ | NEET Biology Chapter wise Weightage |
| NEET Biology Notes | NEET Previous Year Question papers |
Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid Overview
The nucleoid and nucleus both carry the cell's genetic material. However, the nucleus is a double-membrane closed organelle, and the nucleoid is found in prokaryotes. In a living creature, there is a center of activity that controls cell development and reproduction and is in charge of passing on the genetic material of a particular species to future generations. In eukaryotes, the nucleus is a well-developed organelle covered by a double membrane layer that contains genetic material. In contrast, in prokaryotes, the nucleoid is an unorganized structure found in the center that is not covered by the double membrane.
Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid
Within eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is the most essential cellular organelle. It is encompassed by a membrane and functions as the repository for the genetic material of eukaryotes. Conversely, nucleoids in the cytoplasm safeguard the genetic material of prokaryotes. The points of difference between nucleus and nucleoid are in the table below.
|
Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid |
||
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Nucleus | Nucleoid |
| Definition | The nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It contains genetic material. | A nucloid is genetic material in prokaryotes that is not well-developed or organized. |
| Volume in a Cell | It has a well-organized structure and occupies about 10% of the cell's volume. | It has an unorganized structure with no specific volume allocation. |
| Genetic Material | It contains several genetic materials, including DNA, RNA, and proteins. | It contains chromosomes only as the genetic material. |
| Shape | It has a spherical shape. | It has an irregular shape. |
| Membrane Structure | It has Double membrane structure and nuclear pore complexes for molecular exchange between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. | It lacks membrane-bound structures. |
| Passage in Organelle | It contains nuclear pores for the exchange of biomolecules, maintaining nuclear concentration. | No exchange of molecules; an irregular enclosed structure. |
| Cellular Fluid | Nucleoplasm is present, a gel-like substance within the nucleus. | No nucleoplasm is present. |
| Genetic Material Composition | It comprises DNA, RNA, histones, and ribosomes. | It contains DNA, RNA, and histones. |
Nucleus
The nucleus in eukaryotes is completely contained by a double membrane and contains genetic elements such as DNA, RNA, histones, and protein. Genes are passed down via generations. It regulates cell development, synthesis, and reproduction. The structure of Nucleus is given below.
- Nuclear Envelope: The nuclear envelope is a bilayer, well-developed structure in eukaryotic cells surrounding the nucleus. It accounts for around 10% of the cell volume. The double membrane structure comprises a phospholipid bilayer separating the cell's cytoplasm and nucleus. The bilayer contains nuclear pores, which allow biomolecules to enter and exit the nucleus.
- Nucleolus : A less organized component within the nucleus that houses RNA and protein. The nucleolus houses ribosomes, which conduct synthesis to initiate cell division and create RNA subunits. During protein synthesis, all components of RNA and proteins combine to create ribosomes.
- Nucleoplasm : The nuclear membrane of an aqueous substance is comprised of dissolved inorganic and organic components. With a composition identical to cytoplasm, it is also referred to as karyoplasm. The ionic equilibrium of genetic material protects it.
Nucleoid
The nucleoid is the region of a prokaryotic cell that stores the genophore, or genetic information. Bacteria and archaea are two forms of unicellular prokaryotes that lack membrane-bound organelles. As a result, no membrane surrounds the nucleoid. It was attached to the cell membrane and immediately came into contact with the cytoplasm. Moreover, the nucleoid shows variable shape and size. It is distinguishable under a light microscope, containing compacted DNA copies, RNA, and proteins. Prokaryotic DNA is generally circular and double-stranded, occasionally found outside the nucleoid. The genetic material in eukaryotes, plants, and animals is stored in a nucleus surrounded by a double membrane, the nuclear envelope. This membrane separates the nucleus contents from the cytoplasm, and eukaryotic DNA is double-stranded like that of prokaryotes
Difference Between Nucleus and Nucleoid FAQs
What is the difference between nucleus and nucleoid?
Why are cells generally small in size?
What is found in the nucleoid region of prokaryotic cells?
What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?
What is the relationship between mitochondria and nucleoids?
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
