Question:

What type of nucleus is found in bacterial cell?

Show Hint

Bacteria = Prokaryotes → Nucleoid with naked circular DNA (no nuclear membrane, no histones).
Updated On: Oct 5, 2025
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Type of Nucleus: Bacteria possess a prokaryotic nucleus, also called a nucleoid. It differs significantly from the eukaryotic nucleus found in higher organisms. Structure of Bacterial Nucleoid: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{It is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane.} \\ \bullet & \text{DNA is present as a single, circular, double-stranded molecule.} \\ \bullet & \text{The DNA is "naked" – not associated with histone proteins.} \\ \bullet & \text{No nucleolus is present.} \\ \end{array}\] Additional Genetic Material: - Many bacteria also possess small circular DNA fragments called plasmids, which carry genes for antibiotic resistance and other traits. Functions of Nucleoid: \begin{enumerate} \item Controls cell metabolism and division. \item Stores genetic information and passes it to daughter cells during binary fission. \item Regulates synthesis of proteins by transcription and translation. \end{enumerate} Conclusion: Thus, bacterial cells have a primitive nucleus called nucleoid, which lacks a nuclear membrane, histones, and nucleolus. It is a defining feature of prokaryotes.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0