Final answer:
The nuclei and other organelles of the keratinocytes are responsible for the production of keratin and other transformations that lead to the formation of the outer skin layers. They are involved in energy production, detoxification, and providing structural support until they disintegrate as the cells die and become part of the protective barrier of the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nuclei and other organelles of the keratinocytes have essential roles in the life cycle and function of these cells. The keratinocytes are responsible for the synthesis of keratin, a fibrous protein that is crucial for the toughness and water-resistant properties of the hair, nails, and skin. In the stratum granulosum, the keratinocytes undergo significant changes, including the production of large amounts of keratin and keratohyalin. As they move towards the surface, these cells flatten, their nuclei and organelles disintegrate, and they eventually die, leaving behind a structure mainly composed of keratin, keratohyalin, and thickened cell membranes. This transformation is crucial for the formation of the outermost layers of the epidermis, such as the stratum corneum, and for providing the barrier function of the skin. Keratinocytes also contain mitochondria and peroxisomes, which produce the cell's energy and detoxify chemicals, while their cytoskeleton provides physical support to the cell structure.