What is the function of the nuclear pore complex?

The nuclear pore complex plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular function by facilitating the transport of proteins and RNA between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. This complex is composed of multiple proteins and forms channels that span the nuclear envelope, allowing selective passage of molecules.

In the context of protein trafficking, the nuclear pore complex is essential for transporting ribonucleoproteins, which include messenger RNA (mRNA) that is synthesized in the nucleus and must be exported to the cytoplasm for translation into proteins. Additionally, proteins that need to enter the nucleus for functions such as transcription or DNA replication are also transported through these pores. This selective transport mechanism is vital for proper cellular communication and function, enabling the nucleus to communicate effectively with the cytoplasm.

The other options pertain to other cellular functions: synthesizing proteins occurs mainly in ribosomes, regulating nuclear division relates to processes like mitosis and has distinct mechanisms, and assisting in DNA replication involves different proteins and machinery within the nucleus itself. Thus, while those processes are important in the life of a cell, they do not describe the primary function of the nuclear pore complex.