Login

Importance of endoplasmic reticulum in the cell.

Dear student,
Please find below the answer:

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) functions as a packaging system within the cell. It is an interconnected network formed by tubules, vesicles, and cisternae in the cell.
Two types of ER and their role in the cell

1. Rough Endoplasmic reticulum- Ribosomes remain attached to the surface of a rough ER, imparting a rough appearance, when examined under an electron microscope.

Function- As ribosomes are the main site for protein synthesis. When a ribosome starts the synthesis of protein it binds to the rough ER. Once the protein molecule is synthesized it is sent to various places in the cell (as per their need) with the help of rough endoplasmic reticulum.

2. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum- Membranes are smooth in this type of ER (ribosomes are absent).
Functions
1. It helps in the synthesis and storage of fat molecules
2. It helps in the synthesis of the membrane (the process is called membrane biogenesis)
3. It helps in the storage of glycogen as in live cells
4. It helps in the storage of ions. 
Thus, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum mainly acts as a storage organelle.

Hope this clears your doubt.
Regards.
 

  • 0
View Full Answer
Dear Friend,


The endoplasmic reticulum can either be smooth or rough, and in general its function is to produce proteins for the rest of the cell to function. The rough endoplasmic reticulum has on it ribosomes, which are small, round organelles whose function it is to make those proteins. Sometimes, when those proteins are made improperly, the proteins stay within the endoplasmic reticulum. They're retained and the endoplasmic reticulum becomes engorged because it seems to be constipated, in a way, and the proteins don't get out where they're suppose to go. Then there's the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which doesn't have those ribosomes on it. And that smooth endoplasmic reticulum produces other substances needed by the cell. So the endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle that's really a workhorse in producing proteins and substances needed by the rest of the cell.


,Regards.


                                          HOPE THIS MIGHT HELP YOU,                    THANK YOU !!!              :)
  • 1
What are you looking for?