Question

Give structure and functions of nucleolus.

Answer 1

The nucleolus is the distinct structure present in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It participates in assembling the ribosomes, alteration of t-RNA and sensing cellular stress. The nucleolus is composed of RNA and proteins, which form around specific chromosomal regions.

Structure of Nucleolus is composed of:

• Fibrillar Centers: It is the place where the ribosomal proteins are formed.
• Granular Components: Before ribosomes are formed, these components have rRNA that binds to ribosomal proteins.
• Dense Fibrillar Components: It has new transcribed RNA, which connects to the ribosomal proteins.
• Nucleolar vacuoles: It is present only in plant cells.
• Functions:
• The nucleolus plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and in the production of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.