nucleoid

American  

[noo-klee-oid, nyoo-] / ˈnu kliˌɔɪd, ˈnyu- /

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.

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of nucleoid

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

Example Sentences

Could it be that the newly synthesized DNA lacks protection from the nucleoid proteins that normally bind to mitochondrial DNA, thereby increasing its exposure to ROS?

From Nature

Within the bacterium, one of the simplest living things on earth, an array of structures—capsule, wall, membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, plasmid, pili, nucleoid, flagellum—work in concert to common ends.

From Salon