Endoplasmic Reticulum:
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Structure: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membrane-enclosed compartments called cisternae. There are two types of ER, differ in structure and function: rough ER and smooth ER. Rough ER appear rough because ribosomes stud the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane. Smooth ER is so named because its cytoplasmic surface lacks ribosomes. Function: It is mainly rough ER that manufactures membrane as well as proteins the cell will secrete. Smooth ER can synthesize steroids, metabolize carbohydrates, store calcium in muscle cells, and detoxify poisons in liver cells. |