Question

State three main differences between the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Answer 1

Rough Endolasmic Reticulum:

• It possesses ribosomes attached to its membrane. (0.5 mark)
• Formed of cisternae and a few tubules. It is internal and connected with the nuclear envelope.

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• It participates in the synthesis of enzymes and proteins.

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Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum:

• It does not have ribosomes on its membrane. (0.5 mark)
• Formed of vesicles and tubules. It is present on the peripheral surface.

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• Synthesises glycogen, lipids and steroids.

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