Nucleus vs. Vacuole — What's the Difference?

The command center of a eukaryotic cell.

A site for storing nutrients in cells.

The organelle containing the cell's genetic material.

A compartment within plant cells that holds water, maintaining pressure.

The site of RNA synthesis.

A storage sac in cells for waste and other materials.

A dense area in a cell responsible for genetic information and regulation.

An organelle for isolating harmful materials.

The holder of chromosomes.

A contributor to cell size and structure.

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

A vacuole () is a membrane-bound organelle which is present in plant and fungal cells and some protist, animal, and bacterial cells. Vacuoles are essentially enclosed compartments which are filled with water containing inorganic and organic molecules including enzymes in solution, though in certain cases they may contain solids which have been engulfed.

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

A membrane-bound organelle in the cytoplasm of most cells, especially plant cells, containing water and dissolved substances such as salts, sugars, enzymes, and amino acids.

(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.

A small extracellular cavity or space within tissues.

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

(cytology) A large membrane-bound vesicle in a cell's cytoplasm.

(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.

A small empty or air-filled space or vacuity.

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

A small air cell, or globular space, in the interior of organic cells, either containing air, or a pellucid watery liquid, or some special chemical secretions of the cell protoplasm.

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

A tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell

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

Vacuoles are found in eukaryotic cells, but their size and number vary greatly between plant and animal cells.

The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus, containing pores that regulate the entry and exit of materials and ensuring the separation of DNA from the cytoplasm.

Vacuoles contribute to plant health by storing water and maintaining cell turgidity, essential for structural support and growth.

The size of the nucleus can change depending on the cell's stage in the cell cycle and its metabolic activity.

The nucleus affects protein synthesis by controlling the transcription of DNA into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins in the cytoplasm.

The central vacuole is important for storing water, which aids in cell expansion, structural support, and nutrient storage in plant cells.

Vacuoles can store a variety of materials, including water, nutrients, waste products, and in some cases, toxic substances.

The nucleus is defined as the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and controls its activities.

In animal cells, vacuoles primarily function in storage, waste disposal, and in some cases, in isolating harmful substances.

The tonoplast is a single membrane surrounding vacuoles, specialized in transport and storage, whereas the nuclear envelope is a double membrane that protects the nucleus and regulates molecular traffic.

Vacuoles can play an indirect role in cell signaling by storing signaling molecules or ions that can be released in response to cellular signals.

The nuclear envelope is selectively permeable, allowing the passage of certain molecules through its pores while keeping the DNA isolated from the cytoplasm.

Plant vacuoles are usually larger, often occupying the majority of the cell's interior for water storage, whereas animal vacuoles are smaller and more specialized.

While the nucleus controls cell growth and reproduction by regulating genes, vacuoles handle storage and waste, together maintaining cellular health and function.

During cell division, the nucleus divides through processes like mitosis, ensuring genetic material is accurately distributed to daughter cells.