Nuclear envelope
Nuclear Envelope
The Nuclear Envelope (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər ˈɛn.və.loʊp/), also known as the nuclear membrane, is a double-layered membrane that encloses the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. The term "nuclear envelope" is derived from the Latin "nucleus" meaning "kernel" or "seed," and the French "enveloppe" meaning "to wrap up."
Structure
The nuclear envelope consists of two lipid bilayer membranes: the inner nuclear membrane and the outer nuclear membrane. These membranes are separated by a space known as the perinuclear space. The outer nuclear membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell.
Function
The primary function of the nuclear envelope is to act as a barrier that separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm. It also regulates the passage of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm through nuclear pores, complex structures that allow the selective transport of molecules.
Related Terms
- Nucleus: The central and most important part of a cell, containing genetic material.
- Eukaryotic cell: A type of cell with a nucleus enclosed by a nuclear envelope.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): A network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell.
- Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
- Nuclear pores: Complex structures in the nuclear envelope that allow the selective transport of molecules.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear envelope
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear envelope
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