Question

Are lipids synthesized in smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 1

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

1. The ER refers to a continuous membrane system forming a flattened sac-like organelle present in the eukaryotic cells.
2. They are two types- Smooth ER(SER) and Rough ER (RER).

Rough ER:

1. Ribosomes are present on their surface, giving them a rough appearance and hence called- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum.
2. RER mainly helps in the synthesis and secretion of proteins.

Smooth ER:

1. In SER, ribosomes are absent. This gives it a smooth appearance, hence called Smooth ER.
2. SER mainly helps in the synthesis of phospholipids. It also helps in the production of steroid hormones.

Lipids:

1. They are energy-providing biomolecules.
2. They are non-polar in nature (immiscible in water) & soluble only in non-polar solvents.
3. Phospholipids are an important component of cell membranes. They provide fluidity to the cell membranes.
4. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum acts as a lipid production site.
5. SER is abundant in cells involved in the production of lipid and lipid derivatives like the oil glands of the skin, ovaries, and testes.