What is meant by Endoplasmic reticulum?
A complex structure of tubular network found in the cytoplasm of cells of Eukaryotes is referred to as the Endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is basically made up of membranous sheets and tubules. This organelle plays an extremely crucial role in the cell. The endoplasmic reticulum organelle is a kind of manufacturing and packaging system. The ER also works with other organelles like mRNA, tRNA, Golgi apparatus, and ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the latter and the rough endoplasmic reticulum is the former. All types of eukaryotic cells contain an endoplasmic reticulum, except sperm cells and red blood cells.
Describe the structure and functions of the Endoplasmic reticulum.
The endoplasmic reticulum structure includes the following:
1.) Cisternae and sheets are the two structures in which ER membrane is classified. The endoplasmic reticulum also includes two structures –Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
2.) Only because of its rough appearance, the ER is known as Rough ER. On the other side, Smooth ER shows tubular form and it takes part in lipid production.
3.) The liver and hormones containing proteins are secreted by rough structure. In the other glands, it is responsible for secreting proteins.
4.) The ribosomes are absent in the smooth ER but they play an essential role in the metabolism process.
5) Also, Smooth ER is responsible for the Rough ER products to other organelles of the cell.
6.) Rough ER is required in the process of protein synthesis.
The endoplasmic reticulum functions include the following:
1.) Both the Rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum perform specific functions.
2.) The essential phospholipids and cholesterol are produced with the help of Smooth ER.
3.) This ER plays an essential part in the muscular and nervous systems. Also, it produces calcium ions and stores them. The smooth ER functions for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
4.) And, the rough ER has a major function in the synthesis of protein, protein sorting, and protein folding.
5.) It is also responsible for taking care of quality related to protein folding correction.
Endoplasmic reticulum types: what are they?
The endoplasmic reticulum is present in both types of animal and plant cells. There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum: rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Within the structure of Rough ER, the ribosomes are embedded. The ribosomes are absent in Smooth ER and because of that, they have a smooth appearance. Those special cells have rough ER which produces a protein in that cell. Those cells have smooth ER which includes fats or lipids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of endoplasmic reticulum are there?
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic reticulum are two types of the endoplasmic reticulum.
What is the definition of endoplasmic reticulum?
In the eukaryotic cell, the ER is present within the cytoplasm which is a tubular network of membranes.
What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum’s function?
The smooth ER synthesizes some essential lipids or fats. It is also responsible for the secretion of steroid hormones. In addition, it is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates.