Question

What are the examples of mature cells that lack a nucleus, Would you consider these cells as ‘living’?

Answer 1

Enucleated Cells:

1. A single nucleus can be found in most eukaryotic cells.
2. However, some cells go through a process called enucleation in which their nuclei are eliminated when they reach maturity.
3. Red blood cells from mammals and vascular plant's sieve tube cells have nuclei in their early stages, but they lose them as they mature.
4. As a result of their adaptation, these cells no longer have nuclei, are unable to divide, and have a short lifespan.
5. RBCs lack nuclei because they must fit a large hemoglobin molecule inside of them.
6. Through plasmodesmata, the nuclei of the companion cells regulate the behavior of the sieve tube cells. As a result, the mature sieve tube cells are enucleated yet still maintain their viability.