Source: image from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Genetic Illustrations.
Definition
The central cell structure that houses the chromosomes.
Source: definition from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Glossary of Genetic Terms.
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Cells that have a nucleus are eukaryotic (eu = true; karyo = kernel). Their chromosomes are separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane.
Cells that do not have a nucleus are prokaryotic (pro = before; karyo = kernel). These are generally bacteria and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). They often have a single, circular chromosome that is present in the cytoplasm, not enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
