nuclear membrane

noun

Meaning

The double-layered lipid envelope that surrounds the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, controlling the movement of molecules in and out of the genetic center.

Examples

  • The nuclear membrane breaks down during the initial stages of mitosis to allow chromosomes to separate.
  • Small pores in the nuclear membrane facilitate the transport of messenger RNA from the nucleus to the ribosomes.

Synonyms: nuclear envelope, karyotheca