What are nuclear pores? State their function.
Nuclear pores are minute pores in the nuclear envelope formed by the fusion of its two membranes. The nuclear envelope consists of two parallel membranes with a space between them called the perinuclear space, and at several places, these membranes fuse to create pores.
The function of nuclear pores is to act as passages through which movement of RNA and protein molecules takes place in both directions between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. This facilitates the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the textbook context which describes nuclear pores as minute pores formed by fusion of the two membranes of the nuclear envelope. Their function is clearly stated as passages for bidirectional movement of RNA and protein molecules between nucleus and cytoplasm. This is a standard 2-mark answer covering both definition and function.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Define nuclear pores from the context - minute pores formed by fusion of two membranes of nuclear envelope
Step 2: State the function - passages for movement of RNA and protein molecules in both directions between nucleus and cytoplasm