Question

What is endoplasmic reticulum? Name the two types of endoplasmic reticulum. Write its main functions.

Answer 1

• Endoplasmic reticulum is a membranous network enclosing a fluid-filled lumen.
• The two types of endoplamic reticulum are Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).
• RER has ribosomes attached to its surface. These ribosomes take part in protein synthesis.
• SER does not have any ribosomes on it and secretes lipids. Some proteins and lipids synthesised in ER are used for producing new cellular parts, specially the cell membrane by biogenesis.