Nucleolus facts for kids
A nucleolus (say: noo-KLEE-oh-lus) is a very important part found inside the cell nucleus. Think of it like the control center within the nucleus. It is mostly made up of RNA (which is like a blueprint for cells) and protein (the building blocks of life).
The main job of the nucleolus is to build tiny structures called ribosomes. Ribosomes are super important because they are the cell's protein factories. Once the ribosomes are built, they travel out of the nucleus through the nuclear envelope. They then go into the cytoplasm, which is the jelly-like substance filling the cell. There, the ribosomes get to work making new proteins that the cell needs to live and grow.
Where are Nucleoli Found?
Inside the nucleus of a cell, there's a special area where nucleoli are made. This spot is called the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). If you look at a cell under a microscope, the nucleolus usually appears as a dark spot inside the nucleus. It also helps the nucleus keep its correct shape.
What Else Do Nucleoli Do?
Nucleoli also play a part in how a cell handles stress. This means they help the cell react and protect itself when things aren't going well. If nucleoli don't work correctly, it can sometimes lead to health problems. A cell can have one or even many nucleoli, depending on the type of cell and what it's doing.
See also
In Spanish: Nucléolo para niños
