Everything about Nucleoid totally explained
In
prokaryotes, the
nucleoid (meaning
nucleus-like and also known as the
nuclear region,
nuclear body or
chromatin body) is an irregularly-shaped region within the
cell of
prokaryotes where the
genetic material is localized. The nucleic acid is a circular, double-stranded piece of
DNA, and multiple copies may exist. This method of genetic storage can be contrasted against that of the
eukaryotes, where DNA is packed into
chromatins and sequestered within a membrane-enclosed organelle called the
nucleus.
Visualisation
The nucleoid can be clearly visualised on an
electron micrograph at high magnification, where, although its appearance may differ, it's clearly visible against the
cytosol. Sometimes even strands of what is thought to be DNA are visible. By staining with the
Feulgen stain, which specifically stains DNA, the nucleoid can also be seen under a light microscope. The DNA-intercalating stains DAPI and ethidium bromide are widely used for fluorescence microscopy of nucleoids.
Composition
Experimental evidence suggests that the nucleoid is largely composed of DNA, about 60%, with a small amount of
RNA and
protein. The latter two constituents are likely to be mainly
messenger RNA and the
transcription factor proteins found regulating the bacterial genome. Proteins helping to maintain the supercoiled structure of the nucleic acid are known as
nucleoid proteins or nucleoid associated proteins and are distinct from
histones of eukaryotic nuclei. In contrast to histones, the DNA-binding proteins of the nucleoid don't form nucleosomes.
Further Information
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