What are some facts about endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 1

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large network of membrane-bound tubes and sheets.

It looks like long tubules or round or oblong bags (vesicles).

There are two types of ER

I. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

 RER looks rough under a microscope because it has particles called ribosomes attached to its surface.

 The ribosomes are the sites of protein manufacture.

II. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).

 SER helps in the manufacture of fat molecules, or lipids, important for cell function.

 Some of these proteins and lipids help in building the cell membrane. This process is known as membrane biogenesis.

 Some other proteins and lipids function as enzymes and hormones.

Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum :

 ER is to serve as channels for the transport of materials (especially proteins) between various regions of the cytoplasm or between the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

 The ER also functions as a cytoplasmic framework providing a surface for some of the biochemical activities of the cell.

 In the liver cells of the group of animals called vertebrates , SER plays a crucial role in detoxifying many poisons and drugs

I have given it in point form to make it easier.Hope this is a good contribution from a 13 year old.............

Answer 2

It fucntions in the synthesis of lipids, and proteins. It provides attachment for ribosomes. It is composed of membranous sacs

Answer 3

It is the "delivery network" that serves as the internal delivery system for the cell. It is also described as a tube-like network.