Question

Differentiate between rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).

Answer 1

a) Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms a continuous network extending from the cell membrane to the nuclear membrane. In many parts of the cell the endoplasmic reticulum is associated with ribosomes, lying along the outer border of its membrane. They impart a rough appearance and are known as rough ER. In some instances, the ER is not associated with ribosomes and then it is said to be smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).

b) The RER is concerned with the transport of proteins which are made by ribosomes on its surface. On the contrary, the SER plays an especially important role in the synthesis and assembly of glycolipids.