nucleoid

[ noo-klee-oid, nyoo- ]

noun

1. the central region in a prokaryotic cell, as a bacterium, that contains the chromosomes and that has no surrounding membrane.

adjective

1. resembling a nucleus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucleoid¹

First recorded in 1850–55; nucle(us) + -oid

More About Nucleoid

What is a nucleoid?

A nucleoid is the central part of a prokaryotic cell that contains genetic material.

A nucleoid is found only in a prokaryotic cell, such as a single-celled bacteria. It’s integral to reproduction and genetic behavior, housing chromosomes and DNA and, in some prokaryotic cells, additional DNA called plasmids. RNA and proteins can also be found within the nucleoid area.

Nucleoid can be used to describe something that resembles a nucleus (a specialized mass of protoplasm encased in a double membrane). 

Example: If you examine the nucleoid of the bacteria, you’ll see that it lacks a specific chromosome related to that gene in similar organisms.

Where does nucleoid come from?

The first records of the term nucleoid come from around the 1850s. It combines the term nucleus, meaning “a specialized mass of protoplasm encased in a double membrane,” with the suffix -oid, meaning “resembling” or “like.” A nucleoid is similar to the nucleus but lacks several key features.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with nucleoid? 

• nucleus
• nucleolus

What are some words that often get used in discussing nucleoid?

• prokaryotic
• cell
• bacterium
• chromosome

How is nucleoid used in real life?

Nucleoid is used to discuss an area in a prokaryotic cell.

Sorry wrong name, meant @GraingerLab ! H-NS 'heat stable nucleoid structuring'? For @surt_lab

— Nature Reviews Microbiology (@NatureRevMicro) February 1, 2013

Jacobs-Wagner – Whether you're a bacteria with a high or low Nucleoid/cell area ratio each bacteria is adapted to it's cellular properties. What I hear is you're beautiful just the way you are 😂 #bacterialequality #CellBioPro

— Michelle Williams (@Michelle12Will) April 8, 2019

After unravelling 30M of Xmas lights from the guttering of Herron Hall, I have renewed respect for the bacterial DNA replication factory, nucleoid associated proteins and topoisomerases.

— Paul Herron (@Herron1664) January 2, 2018

 

Try using nucleoid!

True or False?

Nucleoids are only found in eukaryotes.