Nucleus vs. Nucleoid — What's the Difference?

The central core of an atom.

A region that contains the single, circular chromosome in bacteria.

A principal point or place where something originates or accumulates.

A compact structure containing the genetic material in some algae and fungi.

A cluster of neurons in the central nervous system.

An area in prokaryotic cells where DNA is concentrated.

A central or essential part around which other parts are gathered or grouped; a core

The space where DNA is found in Archaea.

Something regarded as a basis for future development and growth; a kernel

The DNA-containing area of a prokaryotic cell.

(Biology) A membrane-bound organelle within a eukaryotic cell that contains most of the cell's genetic material. DNA transcription takes place in the nucleus.

The nucleoid (meaning nucleus-like) is an irregularly shaped region within the prokaryotic cell that contains all or most of the genetic material. The chromosome of a prokaryote is circular, and its length is very large compared to the cell dimensions needing it to be compacted in order to fit.

(Anatomy) A group of specialized nerve cells or a localized mass of gray matter in the brain or spinal cord.

The undefined region of genetic material inside a prokaryotic cell, consisting of aggregated DNA.

(Physics) The positively charged central region of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons, about which negatively charged electrons orbit. Extremely small and dense, the nucleus contains almost all of the mass of an atom.

(microbiology) The irregularly-shaped region within a prokaryote cell where the genetic material is localized

(Chemistry) A group of atoms bound in a structure, such as a benzene ring, that is resistant to alteration in chemical reactions.

The central, often brightest part of the head of a comet.

The solid part of a comet, composed of ice and smaller amounts of dust and rock.

The central, often brightest part of a galaxy.

(Meteorology) A particle on which water vapor molecules accumulate in free air to form a droplet or ice crystal.

(Linguistics) The part of a syllable having the greatest sonority. In the word middlemost (mĭdl-mōst′) the nuclei of the three syllables are (ĭ), (l), and (ō); in the Czech word krk ("neck"), the nucleus is (r).

The core, central part of something, around which other elements are assembled.

An initial part or version that will receive additions.

The massive, positively charged central part of an atom, made up of protons and neutrons. Category:en:Nuclear physics

(cytology) A large membrane-enclosed organelle found in eukaryotic cells which contains genetic material.

(neuroanatomy) A ganglion, cluster of many neuronal bodies where synapsing occurs.

The central part of a syllable, most commonly a vowel.

A kernel; hence, a central mass or point about which matter is gathered, or to which accretion is made; the central or material portion; - used both literally and figuratively.

The body or the head of a comet.

An incipient ovule of soft cellular tissue.

A body, usually spheroidal, in a eukaryotic cell, distinguished from the surrounding protoplasm by a difference in refrangibility and in behavior towards chemical reagents, which contains the chromosomal genetic material, including the chromosomal DNA. It is more or less protoplasmic, and consists of a clear fluid (achromatin) through which extends a network of fibers (chromatin) in which may be suspended a second rounded body, the nucleolus (see Nucleoplasm). See Cell division, under Division.

The tip, or earliest part, of a univalve or bivalve shell.

A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction

The positively charged dense center of an atom

A small group of indispensable persons or things;

(astronomy) the center of the head of a comet; consists of small solid particles of ice and frozen gas that vaporizes on approaching the sun to form the coma and tail

Any histologically identifiable mass of neural cell bodies in the brain or spinal cord

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains DNA.

The primary or most important part of a whole.

No, the nucleus is present only in eukaryotic cells.

A nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains DNA.

Yes, bacterial cells contain a nucleoid.

Yes, some eukaryotic cells can have multiple nuclei.

It controls gene expression and houses genetic material.

No, the nucleoid is not enclosed by a membrane.

The nucleus contains DNA, RNA, and proteins.

It's the double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

A nucleoid is an area in prokaryotic cells where DNA is concentrated, but not membrane-bound.

The nucleoid contains a single, usually circular, chromosome.

Yes, plant cells have a nucleus.

Typically, prokaryotic cells have a single nucleoid.

No, it is simpler compared to the nucleus.