Nuclear Organization (Nuclear Structure and Dynamics)

The cell nucleus stores genomic DNA in a space surrounded by the nuclear envelope. DNA is compactly packaged as chromatin with histones and housed in the nucleus in an ordered spatial arrangement. The nuclear envelope is composed of double lipid bilayers, the nuclear pore complex, and the nuclear lamina and is involved in maintaining and regulating genome functions. RNA bodies, such as nucleoli and nuclear speckles, are required for ribosome biogenesis and gene expression regulation. During cell division, these nuclear structures are dynamically disassembled and reconstructed over a short period of time.