What is Endoplasmic Reticulum?


The transportation system of the cell which carries out various important functions is called the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER).

It is a long tube which is bound by a membrane. This tube is placed around the nucleus and moves outward throughout the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

There are two distinct types of tubes in this network:

  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) – This part of the tube has some granular structures attached to it called the Ribosomes. The tubes of RER appear rough due to ribosomes.
  • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) – This part is a plain tube. It lacks ribosomes and so the tubes of this part appear smooth.

RER and SER

Both the tubes of RER and SER form a network throughout the cell which assists the movement of substances throughout the cytoplasm.

Summary

Endoplasmic Reticulum The transportation system of the cell which carries out various important functions is called the Endoplasmic Reticulum.
Types of Tubes in ER
  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
  • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)