The Nucleus and the Nuclear Envelope Flashcards
Eukaryotic cells have ? which increases control of ?
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that compartmentalises the DNA away from the cytoplasm. This increases control of processes but creates a problem as large molecules (mRNA and proteins) have to move in and out of the nucleus
What does the nuclear pore enable ?
The nuclear pore enables movement of molecules in and out
A prokaryotic cell has ?
A single plasma membrane – often surrounded by protective cell wall – that encloses a single compartment containing cytoplasm and DNA
In eukaryotic cells, the DNA is ?
Enclosed by two concentric membranes – a double membrane – that that form the nuclear envelope
The outer nuclear membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), so the space between /
The inner and outer nuclear membranes is directly connected with the lumen of the ER
The outer nuclear membrane is functionally similar to ?
To the ER membranes, but differs slightly in protein composition
The inner nuclear membrane carries ?
Nuclear specific proteins such as the membrane proteins that organise the nuclear lamina, a fibrous network that provides structural support to the nucleus
The nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum may have evolved through invagination of ?
The plasma membrane
Where does transcription (mRNA) occur ? and what happens ?
In the nucleus, DNA turns into RNA
Where does translation (protein) occur? and what happens ?
In the cytoplasm, RNA turns into protein
mRNA has to be exported from ?
The nucleus to be translated into protein
Transcription and replication require ?
Enzymes and these proteins have to be imported into the nucleus
The nuclear membrane is studded with ?
Nuclear pore complexes that are the sole channels through which polar molecules and macromolecules pass through the nuclear envelope
Nuclear pores are ?
Large multi-protein complexes composed of about 30 different proteins
What are nuclear localisation signals (NLS) ?
This is a protein tag that identifies proteins destined for the nucleus
The tag typically consists of?
One or two short sequences containing positively charged Lysine residues
Nuclear transport receptors?
Escort large molecules through the nuclear pore
What are Importins ?
Importins carry proteins into the nucleus
What are exportins ?
Exportins carry proteins out of the nucleus
Nuclear transport receptors are made up of ?
Repeated α-helices that stack into large arches or snail-shaped coils
Cargo and Ran-GTP bind ?
Different arches
RanGTP covers ?
Loop (red) which is important for NLS binding
The most prominent structure in the nucleus is ?
The electron dense nucleolus
Function of nucleolus ?
Site of ribosome biogenesis