NUCLEAR ENVELOPE AND ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

(GENERAL ZOOLOGY)

DANICA ROSE D. MACAHILO

 NUCLEAR ENVELOPE
A Nuclear Membrane also called
Nuclear Envelope is a double membrane
enclosing a cell nucleus and having its
outer part continuous with the
endoplasmic reticulum. The nuclear
membrane is present in both the plant
and animal cells. Cells carry out a
multitude of functions such as protein
building, conversion of molecules into
energy and elimination of unnecessary
products.
 NUCLEAR MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
• A nuclear membrane is composed up of two membranes – an inner and an outer membrane.
Both membranes consist of phospholipids that are organized in a bilayer. The complete
nuclear membrane includes four series of phospholipids.
• The perinuclear space separates the outer and inner membrane. The outer membrane
works by the rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is an organelle which is important in the
transportation of proteins. The outer membrane and the rough endoplasmic reticulum both
are covered in ribosomes as these are the true location of protein production.
• On the nucleoplasm, nuclear lamina is connected to the inner nuclear membrane. The
nuclear lamina also attaches to and secures chromatin which is organized loosely in protein
structure and DNA. A protein layer gives support and strength to the nuclear membrane.
 PARTS OF NUCLEAR MEMBRANE

Outer Membrane
• It is a lipid bilayer containing two layers of molecules of lipid. The outer layer is made up
of lipids which have ribosomes on the surface that are linked to the endoplasmic
reticulum.
Inner Membrane
• It contains proteins that rearrange the nucleus and chain the genetic material in
position. The nuclear lamina is the attachment of proteins and fibres that are linked to
the inner membrane. It provides structural support to the nucleus, assists in DNA repair,
controls cell cycle events such as cell division and also on DNA replication.
Nuclear Pores
• They move through both the inner and outer membranes of the nuclear membrane and
are composed of large complex proteins which allow a few molecules to permeate by the
nuclear envelope. Each of the nuclear pores consists of 30 distinct proteins which operate
together to transfer materials. Also, they link the inner and outer membranes.
Nucleolus
• These are tiny spherical bodies that are situated in the nucleus as they are usually
present in a centralized site but are typically found closer to the nuclear membrane.
What sets them apart from other nuclear material is that they are built by the
(NOR)nucleolus organizing region of chromosomes, which is known to store the genes
that are necessary for full ribosomal production. They encode ribosomal RNA subunits.  
Nucleoplasm
• Nucleoplasm is a remarkably viscous liquid that contains the nuclear hyaloplasm which
is the more soluble and liquid portion of the nucleoplasm. It is a type of protoplasm that
is similar to the cytoplasm, which is present throughout the cell body to the exterior of
the nucleus.
• As specific functions are carried out inside the nucleus, a different type of protoplasm is
required. The constituents of the nucleoplasm are water, dissolved ions, and a blend of
other substances. This element is completely confined in the nuclear envelope
containing nucleotides and crucial enzymes that promote replication.
 Differences Between Nuclear Membranes in
Plant and Animal Cells
• Much more is known about animal and yeast cell nuclear membranes than those of
plant cells, but the knowledge gap is decreasing thanks to recent research. Plant nuclear
membranes lack many of the proteins that are found on the nuclear membranes of
animal cells, but they have other pore membrane proteins that are unique to plants.
Animal cells have centrosomes, structures that help organize DNA when the cell is
preparing to divide; plants lack these structures and appear to rely entirely on the
nuclear membrane for organization during cell division. With further research,
scientists may better understand the uniqueness of plant cell nuclear membranes.
ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

• Endoplasmic reticulum transpires in two forms: a

type with ribosome-studded surface and another
with a smooth surface. The latter is called
the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and the
former is called the rough endoplasmic
reticulum. These membranes form continuous
folds, eventually joining the outer layer of the 
nuclear membrane. Except for sperm cells and red
blood cells, the endoplasmic reticulum is
observed in every other type of eukaryotic cell.
 2 TYPES OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

• Rough ER
• Smooth ER
• Rough endoplasmic
reticulum has ribosomes
embedded within its
structure, giving a “rough”
appearance. Smooth
endoplasmic reticulum
does not have these
ribosomes, hence appear
“smooth.”
 Structure of Endoplasmic Reticulum
The structure of endoplasmic reticulum is shaped like a sac. Since ER is of two types, each has its own distinguishing
features:

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure

• The rough endoplasmic reticulum is named so because of its appearance.
• It is a series of connected flattened sacs having several ribosomes on its outer
surface, hence the name.
• It synthesizes and secretes proteins in the liver, hormones and other
substances in the glands.
• Rough ER is prominent in cells where protein synthesis happens (such as
hepatocytes)
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure
• The smooth endoplasmic reticulum, on the other hand, does not have
ribosomes.
• The smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a tubular form.
• It participates in the production of phospholipids, the chief lipids in cell
membranes and are essential in the process of metabolism.
• Smooth ER transports the products of the rough ER to other cellular
organelles, especially the Golgi apparatus.
 Endoplasmic Reticulum Function
As stated above, the endoplasmic reticulum is categorised into two types, and both
these types of ER perform specific functions:

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Function:

• Smooth ER is responsible for the synthesis of essential lipids such
as phospholipids and cholesterol.
• Smooth ER is also responsible for the production and secretion of steroid
hormones.
• It is also responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• The smooth ER store and release calcium ions. These are quite important for
the nervous system and muscular system.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Function:
• The majority of the functions of rough ER is associated with protein synthesis.
• Rough endoplasmic reticulum also plays a vital role in protein folding.
• Also ensures quality control (regarding correct protein folding).
• The second most important function after protein synthesis and protein
folding is protein sorting.