The Nuclear Envelope: The Initial Tour

! The central dogma states that DNA makes RNA, and RNA in turn directs protein synthesis.
In the eukaryotic cell the nucleus houses the DNA.

! In living organisms structure and function are intimately connected. At the cellular level,
the many complex functions of the nucleus are evidenced by its structure. The following
are key structures of the nucleus:
• the nucleolus, the site for ribosomal synthesis
• the nuclear envelope, a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and contains
pores
• the nuclear lamina, a layer of structural proteins that holds the nucleus together and
keeps it intact.

The drawings show that all eukaryotic cells,

including animal (a) and plant cells (b), have a
nucleus.

The central dogma states that DNA makes

(b) RNA, and RNA in turn directs protein
synthesis. In eukaryotic cells the nucleus
houses the DNA.
(a)

Looking at the illustrations at the left, you can

see that a double outer membrane, also called
the nuclear envelope, surrounds the
nucleus. Pores in the envelope allow
substances to pass through. The outside of
the nuclear envelope is dotted with
ribosomal subunits that are budding off.

Inside the nucleus the nucleolus (the circular

region) is the site for ribosomal synthesis. The
nucleolus contains DNA coding for ribosomal
RNA. Running along the inside of the nuclear
envelope is a structure called the nuclear
lamina, which is comprised of structural
proteins that serve to hold the nucleus
together and keep it intact.

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