Let me share with you a comparison between Nucleus and Nucleolus.
| Aspect | Nucleus | Nucleolus |
| Location | Typically found in the center of a eukaryotic cell | Located within the nucleus |
| Structure | Membrane-bound organelle with a double lipid bilayer called the nuclear envelope. It contains genetic material (DNA) in the form of chromatin. |
Non-membrane-bound structure composed of RNA and proteins. |
| Function | Primary function is to store and protect the genetic information of the cell and regulate gene expression. | The primary function is to synthesize ribosomal RNA (rRNA) |
| Composition | Chromatin (DNA and associated proteins) Nucleoplasm
Nucleolus |
rRNA
Proteins and other RNA molecules. |
| Size | Typically much larger than the nucleolus | Much smaller |
| Visibility | Visible under a light microscope. | Visible under an electron microscope or after special staining techniques |
| Number | Usually one nucleus per eukaryotic cell. | Typically multiple nucleoli can be found within a single nucleus. |
| Life Cycle | Remains relatively constant in size and structure throughout the cell’s life. | The nucleolus can change in size and activity based on the cell’s needs, such as increased ribosome production. |