Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The nucleus can be seen in the centre of this cell.
The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains DNA which provides instructions for how the cell should behave.
Singular Noun: Nucleus Plural Noun: Nuclei
Function
The nucleus controls the cell.
About the Nucleus
- The nucleus contains the genetic material of a cell.
- Nuclei are found in plant cells and animal cells but not in Bacteria.
Examples
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| The nuclei of these cells can be seen stained blue. | The nuclei of these cells is a darker pink than the rest of the cells. |
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| The nucleus in this sperm cell is very large compared to the cell. | A picture of a palisade cell showing several parts including the nucleus. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A nucleus is a membrane bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells containing the DNA.
Function
- The nucleus contains DNA which controls the actions of the cell and provides the information to make copies of the cell.
About the Nucleus
- The nucleus contains genes which determine which proteins are synthesised in the cell.
- During mitosis before the cell divides the membrane of the nucleus dissolves to release two sets of chromosomes which then form two identical nuclei.
- Nuclei are found in animal cells, plant cells, fungal cells and protists but are not found in bacteria or archaea.
Examples
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| The nuclei of these cells can be seen stained blue. | The nuclei of these cells is a darker pink than the rest of the cells. |
|
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| The nucleus in this sperm cell is very large compared to the cell. | A picture of a palisade cell showing several parts including the nucleus. |
References
AQA
- Nucleus, page 11, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 110, 132-3, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 12-3, 22, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 23, 33, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 23, 33, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 5, 13-17, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Nucleus, pages 6-7, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Nucleus; radius, pages 22-3, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA
Edexcel
- Nucleus, page 162, 355, 380, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
- Nucleus, page 18, GCSE Chemistry, Pearson, Edexcel
- Nucleus, page 49, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Nucleus, pages 90, 140, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel