Nuclear envelope

The nuclear envelope is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the nucleus of a cell, functioning as a protective barrier. It separates the nucleus, which contains genetic material (DNA), from the rest of the cell, maintaining an environment where genes can be safely stored and regulated. The envelope has tiny openings called nuclear pores that allow the exchange of materials like RNA and proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm. This boundary is essential for controlling what enters and exits the nucleus, ensuring proper cell function and genetic stability.