Nucleation

Examples of Nucleation in the following topics:

• Liquid to Solid Phase Transition

  • Crystallization consists of two major events: nucleation and crystal growth.
  • In the presence of irregularities on the surface of the containing vessel, solid or gaseous impurities, pre-formed solid crystals, or other nucleators, heterogeneous nucleation may occur.
  • Heterogeneous nucleation is when nucleation occurs on a surface that the substance is in contact with.
  • However, in the absence of nucleators water can supercool to -40 °C (-40 °F, 233 K) before freezing.
  • When sugar is supersaturated in water, nucleation will occur, allowing sugar molecules to stick together and form large crystal structures.

• Serosa

  • The epithelial layer, known as mesothelium, consists of a single layer of avascular flat nucleated cells (simple squamous epithelium) which produce the lubricating serous fluid.

• Centrosome

  • The PCM contains proteins responsible for microtubule nucleation and anchoring.
  • In mitosis the nuclear membrane breaks down and the centrosome nucleated microtubules (parts of the cytoskeleton) can interact with the chromosomes to build the mitotic spindle .

• Red Blood Cells

  • Only mammals have anucleated red blood cells; however, some mammals (camels, for instance) have nucleated red blood cells.
  • The advantage of nucleated red blood cells is that these cells can undergo mitosis.

• Serous Membranes

  • The epithelial layer, known as mesothelium, consists of a single layer of avascular flat nucleated cells (simple squamous epithelium) which produce the lubricating serous fluid.

• Cytokine Therapy

  • Virtually all nucleated cells, but especially endo/epithelial cells and resident macrophages (many near the interface with the external environment) are potent producers of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α.

• Natural Killer Cells

  • MHC I molecules are proteins on the surfaces of all nucleated cells which help the immune system distinguish between "self" and "non-self."

• Bone Tissue and the Effects of Aging

  • The osteoclasts are multi-nucleated cells that contain numerous mitochondria and lysosomes .

• Cytokines and Chemokines

  • Virtually all nucleated cells, but especially endo/epithelial cells and resident macrophages (many near the interface with the external environment), are potent producers of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha.

• Muscle Development

  • Muscle fibers form from the fusion of myoblasts into multi-nucleated fibers (called myotubes).