Nucleus

Abstract

The nucleus is common to all eukaryotic cells and houses nearly all the genetic information for the expression of cellular proteins. It contains the components and enzymes necessary to maintain, transcribe, and replicate genetic material in a selective manner. Furthermore, it is responsible for the synthesis and/or assembly of components used to translate genetic material, although translation of the code contained in mRNA is performed in the cytoplasm. The nucleus consists of a complex envelope—an outer and inner membrane that surrounds a relatively amorphous internal structure and an internal structure consisting of chromatin, nuclear matrix, nuclear lamina, nucleolus, and aqueous nucleoplasm.