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Fig. 1. Models of ER segregation in proliferating animal cells. In interphase (left panel), the peripheral ER forms an interconnected network that is contiguous with the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope. The outer nuclear membrane is biochemically similar to the peripheral ER membrane. By contrast, some integral membrane proteins are localized specifically to the inner nuclear membrane (yellow ovals) or to nuclear pores where the outer and inner nuclear membranes meet (red ovals). In one model of ER segregation (model a), the peripheral ER and the nuclear envelope undergo progressive vesiculation. By metaphase, the cell contains vesicles derived from the peripheral ER or outer nuclear membrane, and from the inner nuclear membrane or nuclear pore domains. Diffusion of these vesicles during metaphase and anaphase ensures the equal partition of ER elements. Another model (model b) predicts that the peripheral ER retains its integrity during mitosis. The nuclear envelope is absorbed into the peripheral ER. The inner nuclear membrane proteins and the nuclear pore integral membrane proteins are distributed throughout the peripheral ER network at early metaphase. Equal segregation of the ER network ensures the faithful partition of components of various ER domains.
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