Definition of Nucleoid



A nucleoid is a region in the prokaryotic cells and it is the place where the genetic material is found. The genetic material of the prokaryotes is also termed as genophore. The prokaryotic organelles are not bounded by a membrane and hence, these nucleoids are also not composed of an outer membrane.

 


The nucleoids have direct contact with the cell’s cytoplasm and do not have a definite shape and size. It is composed of DNA, some RNA and proteins. The DNA present in the prokaryotes is double-stranded and is in a circular shape. The nucleoid is responsible for controlling the activities of a cell and for the process of reproduction.


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