Cajal bodies
Cajal bodies are small, spherical structures found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. They play a crucial role in the processing and assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), which are essential for RNA splicing. These bodies are named after the Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal, who first described them in the early 20th century.
Cajal bodies are involved in the regulation of gene expression and the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). They are dynamic structures that can change in size and number depending on the cell's activity and developmental stage. Their presence is often associated with active transcription and RNA processing.