EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are massive 65–120 MDa protein complexes that are embedded into the nuclear envelope (NE) and consist of multiple subunits called nucleoporins (Nups). The NE encloses the nucleus, protecting the nuclear genome and allowing for complex regulation of nuclear processes.

Detailed explanation-2: -The proteins that make up the nuclear pore complex are known as nucleoporins; each NPC contains at least 456 individual protein molecules and is composed of 34 distinct nucleoporin proteins.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nucleoporins mediate transport of macromolecules between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes. Certain members of the nucleoporin family form the structural scaffolding of the nuclear pore complex. However, nucleoporins primarily function by interacting with transport molecules known as karyopherins.

Detailed explanation-4: -Overall, the NPC is an eight-fold-symmetrical structure comprising a NE-embedded scaffold that surrounds a central transport channel and two rings – the cytoplasmic and nuclear rings – to which eight filaments are attached (Figure 1a).

Detailed explanation-5: -The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a macromolecular protein assembly embedded in the double lipid bilayer of the nuclear membrane, and is the sole gateway of macromolecular traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm.