Nucleus
Definition
A nucleus is a membrane-bound cellular compartment containing nuclear chromosomes in a typical nucleated eukaryotic cell. Its presence can guide biological examination, but preservation, extraction and assay performance determine whether the material provides useful nuclear DNA information.
- Context
- Cell biology
For example, observing a nuclear structure in a cell does not establish that a complete, uncontaminated genetic profile can be recovered from it.
Presence of a named structure does not guarantee an intact nuclear DNA profile.
Related terms
- Chromatin
- Chromatin is the organised association of DNA with proteins and other components within chromosomes. Its packaging influences access to genetic information and...
- Heteroplasmy
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- Keratinisation
- Differentiation that produces durable keratin-rich material while altering cellular structures. Hair formation, retention and shedding involve different structures and processes. Document orientation...
- Mitochondrial DNA
- DNA associated with mitochondria, with inheritance and discrimination different from standard nuclear STR profiles. Shortened STR designs can improve access to some...
Explained in
- Cell Structure and Organelles for Forensic ScientistsMembrane-bound compartment holding nuclear chromosomes in a typical nucleated eukaryotic cell.