Functions of the Nucleus in Plants – Have you ever heard of the term nucleus? The nucleus can be found in the bodies of humans, plants, and animals. Although the nucleus can be found in various types of living things, in this article, we will specifically discuss the nucleus in plants.
The nucleus, also known as the cell nucleus, is an organelle that can be found in eukaryotic cells. The structure of the nucleus itself has 4 constituents consisting of the nuclear membrane, nucleoplasm, chromosomes, and nucleous. The nucleus has a function to maintain the unity of various existing genes as well as to control cell activity by managing gene expression. The word nucleus comes from the Latin word which means kernel or nut.
The shape of the nucleus, which is rough and round, and in animal cells the nucleus is in the middle of the cell. The diameter of the nucleus can be said to be small because it is only 10 micrometers in size.
The nucleus is also known as the command center or which regulates all the activities of other cells. In addition, the nucleus contains Deoxyribonucleic Acid or what we call more popularly as DNA.
Nucleus Function
1. Storage of Genetic Information
The first function of the nucleus is to store various genetic information. This can happen because the nuclear membrane in the nucleus can store and maintain the DNA in it. All information on living things will be stored in the nucleus so that each research requires the nucleus to identify the genetic information of these living things.
2. As a Cell Growth Controller
In addition to controlling all the activities of other cells, the nucleus in plants also has the function of regulating the growth of other cells in the plant body. In plants, there are up to thousands or even millions of cells and all of these cells are regulated by the nucleus so they can work properly.
3. Place of Replication and Transcription
The nucleus functions as a place of replication and transcription, meaning that the nucleus becomes a place for DNA to replicate. After the DNA has finished undergoing the replication process, the process of mitosis will then occur.
DNA replication is the process of doubling the double strands of DNA. In cells, DNA replication occurs before the process of cell division. Prokaryotes sevara continuously replicate DNA. In eukaryotes, the timing of DNA replication is regulated, namely during the S phase of the cell cycle or before mitosis or meiosis I.
The multiplication uses DNA polymerase enzymes which can help form bonds between nucleotides that make up DNA polymers. The process of DNA replication can also be carried out in vitro in a process known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
While mitosis is a cell division event that can produce two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
4. As a Metabolism Controller
The nucleus also has a function to control the metabolism of the body. Control of this metabolism can be done because in the nucleus there are processes that can produce proteins. By controlling metabolism, the nucleus helps the plant to live well.
Nucleus Structure
1. Nuclear Membrane
The nuclear membrane is a membrane that covers the nucleus which is useful for lining the cell nucleus. This part of the cell has the function of protecting and separating one cell organ from another cell organ.
The nuclear membrane has pores that can be used as a place for molecules to enter and exit.
2. Nucleolus
Nucleolus or what is often referred to as the core child. The function of this nucleolus is as a container for producing ribosomes which are used to produce proteins in cells.
The nucleolus itself is round, dense, and dark in color. The nucleolus has no protective membrane on the outside.
3. Nucleoplasm
The nucleoplasm is composed of proteins, enzymes, water, ions and nucleic acids. Within the nucleoplasm has a gel-like nature, there is chromatin or threads that can absorb color and have an important role in the process of cell division.
Nucleoplasm is a viscous liquid that is in the nucleus. The function of the nucleoplasm itself is to process various enzymes.
Other Plant Cell Structures
1. Cell Wall
Plant cells have two types of cell walls, namely primary and secondary cells. The cell wall has a function to protect plant cells, maintain cell shape, and prevent excessive water absorption.
The secondary cell wall generally has a thicker size when compared to the primary cell wall because the cell wall provides protection and support to the cell.
2. Plasma membrane
The plasma membrane is useful for protecting the cytoplasm and the cell nucleus. The cytoplasm is a complex part of the cell. In the cytoplasm there are many molecules, among others, namely the suspension of cells and cell organelles.
The cell membrane itself encloses various important organs within the cell. The plasma membrane itself has the function of regulating the flow of solutes in and out of the cell, as well as regulating osmosis. The structure of the plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer with hydrophilic portions.
3. Mitochondria
Mitochondria are cell organelles that are used as a place of respiration in living things. Respiration itself is a process of overhaul and catabolism to produce power or energy that is important for the continuity of life processes.
Mitochondria can be found in cells that have high metabolic activity and require large amounts of ATP. The structure of the mitochondria itself can be seen using an electron microscope. Mitochondria are surrounded by two layers of the membrane.
4. Ribosomes
Ribosomes are particles that are smaller than mitochondria and can only be seen using an electron microscope. Ribosomes can be found and scattered in the cytoplasm or attached to the outside of the endoplasmic reticulum (RE). Ribosomes are composed of protein and RNA.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Endoplasmic Reticulum (RE) is a transport system for various kinds of molecules in cells and even between cells through plasmadesmata. The ER has a structure similar to multilayer sacs called cisternae. RE in plants consists of two types, namely smooth and rough.
6. Plastids
Plastids are the largest cell organelles in plant cells. Plastids have a biconvex lens shape that is present in all plant cells. Plastids vary in shape and size. Based on the color, plastids consist of leucoplasts, chloroplasts and chromoplasts.
7. Golgi bodies
The Golgi apparatus was originally discovered by an Italian histologist and pathologist by the name of Camillo Golgi. In plant cells, the golgi bodies are known as diktisomes.
8. Vacuoles
Mature plant cells contain vacuoles. Vacuoles are filled with liquid and contain dissolved inorganic ions, organic acids, sugars, enzymes, and other secondary metabolites. Vacuoles in plant cells occupy 80-90 % of the total cell volume.
That’s all, an explanation of the function and structure of the nucleus in plants and the structures that make up plant cells that you can learn. Hope it is useful.