Advantages to eukaryotic cells of having a nucleus? - (Oct/30/2006 )
I have recently been studying the structure and function of the cell nucleus as part of my 1st year biochemistry degree. However, I cant seem to find any information on what exactly the advantages of having a nucleus are for eukaryotic cells. Any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
what do u mean? functions?
the main function of a nucleus that it locates the genome of every organism...
the main function of a nucleus that it locates the genome of every organism...
But arent there genome in Prokaryotes? What advantage is there of having a nucleus?
ok...this makes it different now
i don't know...but may be the differences in pH have the key...
This was a cool question, something I never thought about. I googled it but still did not find the answer and in Wiki there is somthing written under subtitle 'Function'. . . .hope that helps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_nucleus
Strawberry, U were right! It was me who did not understand that.
thanx Nabin for the link...... 
so the Qn is better to be asked as: what is the advantage of having a compartment (nucleus) separated from the cytoplasm by a membrane, for eukaryotes?
from the link above, i think the process of post-transcription (intron splicing) taking place inside the nucleus makes a difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes..
Nucleus in an Eukaryotic cell simply contains DNA, the genetic info of the eukaryotes.
I always thought it was to separate transcription and translation and to control gene expression - hence proteins that contain nuclear localization signals such as transcription factors.
Thanks
or phrase in another way: What is the selective advantage for a cell to possess a nucleus?
I don't know. From my understanding a nucleus is alot more added complexity, (nuclear membrane, nuclear pores, transportins, problems during cell replication). And complexity is extra genetic baggage to carry around and protect. Complexity also mean added biochemcial processing which could mean a cell would grow slower.
The only selective advantage for a nucleus that I can think off is increased resistence to virus infection. The nuclear membrane adds an extra physical barrier to viruses intending to integrate into the genome.
Furthermore by partioning away the genome, you can lace the cytoplasm with more non specific nucleases, which would be better hunter killers against naked viral genomes. You do have to worry so much off accidentally cutting your own genome to bits.
Agree with lab_geek...haa.... DNA - mRNA - Proteins... ( genetic expression ) DNA wil transcript into mRNA & mRNA will be translated into proteins in the cytoplasm .Info encoded in DNA determines cellular activity. Sequence in DNA determines type of protein produced.