What is the significance of Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Ratio in cell aging and cancer?

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  • Thread starter Rongeet Banerjee
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In summary, as a cell ages, its Nucleus shrinks causing the initial N/C ratio to decrease from 4:1 to 2:1. This decrease in N/C is also seen in cancerous cells, which have unorganized and inefficient cell machinery. The process of Mitosis is a direct response to maintain the N/C ratio. According to Wikipedia, a high N/C ratio indicates that the nucleus is larger than the cell it resides in. References for these claims can be found in the link provided for the N/C ratio and in physiology and biology textbooks.
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Rongeet Banerjee
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TL;DR Summary
My question is 'If the normal Nuclear:Cytoplasmic Ratio of a cell is not maintained then what happens?'
From Wikipedia I have found out that as a cell ages, it's Nucleus shrinks and thus the intial N/C decreases from 4:1 for most cells to 2:1.
I also have a rough idea that Cell machinery becomes unorganised and inefficient.Also high N/C is a characteristic of Cancerous cell.But I do not know the exact reasons.
Finally Mitosis is a direct response to maintain N/C.
Please elaborate more...
 
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  • #2
It looks like your ratio may be backwards:
N/C = 4:1 would mean the nucleus is larger than the cell that houses it.

Please provides links or references for your several claims:
"as a cell ages, it's Nucleus shrinks"
"unorganised and inefficient"
"high N/C is a characteristic of Cancerous cell"
"Mitosis is a direct response to maintain N/C"
 
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  • #3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NC_ratio
👆🏽This link is the reference for the 1st and 3rd claims.
2nd Claim is supported by Guyton and Hall's book of Physiology(which says that the nucleus faces difficulty in controlling it's intercellular proteins)
4th claim is supported by 12th Standard Biology book (NCERT).
 

1. What is the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio?

The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (NCR) is a measure of the relative size of the nucleus and cytoplasm in a cell. It is calculated by dividing the area of the nucleus by the area of the cytoplasm.

2. Why is the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio important?

The NCR is important because it can provide information about the health and function of a cell. A higher NCR may indicate an increased rate of cell division, while a lower NCR may suggest a decrease in cell activity.

3. How is the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio measured?

The NCR can be measured using various techniques, including microscopy and image analysis software. It involves measuring the areas of the nucleus and cytoplasm in an image and then calculating the ratio between them.

4. What factors can affect the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio?

The NCR can be influenced by various factors such as cell size, cell type, and stage of the cell cycle. It can also be affected by certain diseases or conditions that alter the size or function of the nucleus or cytoplasm.

5. How can the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio be used in research?

The NCR is commonly used in research to study cell growth, development, and disease. It can also be used to assess the effects of different treatments or environmental factors on cellular function and health.

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