The nuclear envelope in the plant cell cycle: structure, function and regulation.

Abstract

Higher plants are, like animals, organisms in which successful completion of the cell cycle requires the breakdown and reformation of the nuclear envelope in a highly controlled manner. Interestingly, however, while the structures and processes appear similar, there are remarkable differences in protein composition and function between plants and animals. Recent characterization of integral and associated components of the plant nuclear envelope has been instrumental in understanding its functions and behaviour. It is clear that protein interactions at the nuclear envelope are central to many processes in interphase and dividing cells and that the nuclear envelope has a key role in structural and regulatory events. Dissecting the mechanisms of nuclear envelope breakdown and reformation in plants is necessary before a better understanding of the functions of nuclear envelope components during the cell cycle can be gained.