In: Biology
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of tubular structures scattered in cytoplasm. Morphological variation of ER based on form are cisternae, vesicles and Tubules. Membranes of ER are lipoprotein bilayer.
Based on morphology, ER can be classified as:
RER has ribosomes attached on its outer surface, giving appearance as rough. Due to absence of ribosomes on outer surface, SER appear as smooth.
RER structure is mainly of interconnected cisternae, and is of basophilic nature owing to presence of ribosomes (basophilic), while SER is non-basophilic in nature and is mostly made up of tubules.
RER plays important role in protein synthesis and its secretion from the cell. Proteins are synthesised on ribosome, and passes in lamella of endoplasmic reticulum. SER has several functions like synthesis of lipids, fatty acids and glycerol; detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds; synthesis of steroid hormones