The Nuclear Membrane
- Present in all eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is relatively large and separated from the cytoplasm by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope
- This provides an area where reactions of DNA and its functions can be carried out separately from the rest of the cell
- The envelop is studded with nuclear pores
- Nuclear pores are important channels for allowing mRNA and ribosomes to travel out of the nucleus, as well as allowing enzymes (e.g. DNA polymerases) and signalling molecules to travel in
- The outer membrane of the nucleus is a continuous structure that links to the endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes can be attached to sections of this forming the rough endoplasmic reticulum
- The sections of the outer membrane that do not contain ribosomes form the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- During cellular division (mitosis and meiosis) the nuclear membrane breaks into vesicles
- This occurs during prophase to allow the chromosomes to separate
- Once at telophase the nuclear envelope begins to reform
Structure of the Nucleus Diagram
The nucleus of a cell with its double membrane containing pores and continuation into the endoplasmic reticulum