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The Nuclear Envelope
The nuclear envelope also acts as a membrane barrier, enclosing the nucleus to separate its contents from the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane consisting of two lipid bilayer membranes with associated proteins. The two membranes that make up the nuclear envelope are the outer membrane and inner membrane. Each membrane is perforated by pore structures. The outer membrane and inner membrane are continuous and fused at the lip of each pore. However, there is a space between the inner and outer membrane called the perinuclear space. Lining each pore is a pore complex that regulates the passage of molecules between the nuclear envelope and the cytoplasm (Reece et al., 2011, p.102). In addition, the pores control the passage of chemicals to and from the nucleus (Brum & Mckane, 1989). Therefore, the pores within the nuclear envelope are a site for transportation. Furthermore, the nuclear envelope contains a structural support that is composed of netlike array of protein filaments, called the nuclear lamina. The nuclear lamina lines the inner surface and functions to maintain the shape of the nucleus by supporting the nuclear envelope (Reece et al., 2011). The nuclear envelope is an important gateway between the nucleus and the endomembrane system.
The nuclear envelope also acts as a membrane barrier, enclosing the nucleus to separate its contents from the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane consisting of two lipid bilayer membranes with associated proteins. The two membranes that make up the nuclear envelope are the outer membrane and inner membrane. Each membrane is perforated by pore structures. The outer membrane and inner membrane are continuous and fused at the lip of each pore. However, there is a space between the inner and outer membrane called the perinuclear space. Lining each pore is a pore complex that regulates the passage of molecules between the nuclear envelope and the cytoplasm (Reece et al., 2011, p.102). In addition, the pores control the passage of chemicals to and from the nucleus (Brum & Mckane, 1989). Therefore, the pores within the nuclear envelope are a site for transportation. Furthermore, the nuclear envelope contains a structural support that is composed of netlike array of protein filaments, called the nuclear lamina. The nuclear lamina lines the inner surface and functions to maintain the shape of the nucleus by supporting the nuclear envelope (Reece et al., 2011). The nuclear envelope is an important gateway between the nucleus and the endomembrane system.