Skip to content Skip to footer

Why is the DNA containing part of a bacterium called a nucleoid and not a nucleus?

On this page, we found out why the DNA that contains part of a bacterium is called a nucleoid and not a nucleus. We have elaborated this by using comparison tables, graphics and images.

Why is the dna containing part of a bacterium called a nucleoid and not a nucleus
Why is the dna containing part of a bacterium called a nucleoid and not a nucleus

Why is the DNA containing part of a bacterium called a nucleoid and not a nucleus?

As a Life Sciences student, you should understand the following about nucleoids and nucleus:

  • The first reason is that the nucleoid does not have a protective membrane like the nucleus in advanced cells.
  • The second reason is that the nucleoid is simply a compact region where DNA is loosely packed. On the other hand, the nucleus has compartments and systems to organise DNA.
  • The third reason is that In the nucleus, DNA is wrapped around the proteins. While in the nucleoid, there are no proteins, so the DNA is packed loosely.
Source: Bacterial Chromosomes in the Nucleoid – Biology LibreTexts

The difference between nucleoid and nucleus can be elaborated in the table below:

FeatureNucleusNucleoid
MembraneHas a protective membraneNo membrane, DNA floats freely
LocationFound in eukaryotic cellsFound in prokaryotic cells (bacteria)
OrganisationHighly organised with compartmentsSimple and loosely packed
DNA PackingDNA wrapped around histone proteinsNo histones, DNA packed loosely
Shape of DNALinear DNA (in chromosomes)Circular DNA
SizeLarger and takes more spaceSmaller and takes less space
TranscriptionHappens inside the nucleusHappens in the same area as translation
ComplexityComplex with multiple functionsSimple and only focuses on storing DNA

Watch this video for further understanding

Leave a comment