The two major types of endoplasmic reticulum are rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). They act as a framework for the biochemical activities of the cell.
The functions of RER are:
- It helps in partial manufacturing of the proteins because of the presence of ribosomes which are a site of protein
- Proteins have a proper and specific shape. The protein chains are folded as they are passed through the tubes of RER. These tubes are called Cisternae.
- Proteins move through these cisternae of the Endoplasmic reticulum to reach their destination ahead.
The functions of SER are:
- It helps in the manufacture of fat molecules, that is,
- It synthesizes certain proteins and lipids which function as enzymes and
- In some cases like the cells of the liver, it helps in detoxifying the
- It synthesizes some of the molecules which help in building up the cell membrane. This process is called Membrane Biogenesis.
Summary
| Functions Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum | Protein synthesis
Movement of proteins |
| Functions of Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum | Synthesis of Lipids
Synthesis of Proteins and Fats which act as enzymes or hormones Detoxifying cells Synthesis of molecules participating in membrane biogenesis |
Did you know?
The liver cells in animals have smooth endoplasmic reticulum that helps in the detoxification process by eliminating the toxins and drugs present in the cells.