The endoplasmic reticulum, also called endoplasmic reticulum, is an organelle that is distributed throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and It is responsible for the synthesis of molecules and the transport of substances.
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum: smooth and rough, which have different characteristics and functions.
For example, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for protein synthesis, while the smooth one is responsible for producing lipids.
This organelle has a structure similar to a complex membrane systemwhich are shaped like a series of flattened sacs and tubules connected to each other.
One of its functions is to deliver the synthesized proteins to the Golgi apparatus, which will transform them and send them to the rest of the cell.
See also Golgi Apparatus.
rough endoplasmic reticulum
The rough endoplasmic reticulum, also known by its acronym as RER, It is characterized by having a rough appearance due to the presence of ribosomes.
It is formed by a series of channels or cisterns distributed throughout the cytoplasm, which have the shape of flattened sacs. It is located in the cytoplasm, close to the nucleus.
RER functions
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for the synthesis and transport of all proteins which are sent to the plasma membrane. It is also responsible for the production of all lipids and proteins used by the cell membrane.
See also Cellular nucleus.
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whose acronym is REL, is characterized by the absence of ribosomes in its membrane (hence its smooth appearance). It is composed of a network of interconnected membranous tubules.
REL functions
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum has different functions. Some of the most important are to participate in cellular transport, in the synthesis of lipids, in the metabolization of alcohol, as a calcium reserve and to help maintain blood glucose levels.
See also Animal cell and Plant cell.