Endoplasmic reticulum

Endoplasm is the inner part of the cytoplasm of a cell. Reticulum

means a fine network. So endoplasmic reticulum is an interlinked
network of cisternae (membrane disks), vesicles (intracellular transport
sacs) and tubules inside a eukaryotic cell.
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Smooth ER and
Rough ER
Rough ER is named for the presence of ribosomes along its membrane
and is the source of proteins. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is
responsible for lipid synthesis and processes a variety of metabolic
processes such as drug detoxification.
There are two types of ER - rough, which is coated with ribosomes, and
smooth, which isn't. Rough ER is the site of protein synthesis. The
smooth ER is where the vesicles carrying newly synthesized proteins
(from the rough ER) are budded off.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The rough endoplasmic reticulum manufactures membranes and secretory

proteins. In leukocytes the rough ER produces antibodies. In pancreatic cells the

rough ER produces insulin. The rough and smooth ER are usually interconnected
and the proteins and membranes made by the rough ER move into the smooth ER
to be transferred to other locations.
The prime rough endoplasmic reticulum function is the production and
processing of specific proteins at ribosomal sites that are later
exported. The ribosomes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum do their
job and create proteins which are then sent in to the rough
endoplasmic reticulum for advanced processing

As I said before, rough endoplasmic reticulum function involves, creation of two

types of proteins. One is the type which fortifies and gets embedded into the reticulum
membrane. The other types are water soluble membranes which after creation at
ribosomal sites, pass through the membrane and into the lumen.
The function of rough endoplasmic reticulum doesn't end there. The proteins that
enter are further processed inside. Just like a two dimensional cardboard box is folded to
make a box, the proteins are folded into the right three dimensional shapes and
carbohydrates may be added. Once the folding is complete, they are ready for delivery.
The folding is made possible by chaperone proteins present in the lumen.
The next rough endoplasmic reticulum function is to transport these ready
proteins to the sites where the are required. They may also be sent to the Golgi
bodies for further advanced processing, through vesicles
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

 The smooth ER has a wide range of functions including carbohydrate

and lipid synthesis. It serves as a transitional area for vesicles that
transport ER products to various destinations. In liver cells the smooth
ER produces enzymes that help to detoxify certain compounds. In
muscles the smooth ER assists in the contraction of muscle cells, and
in brain cells it synthesizes male and female hormones.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum functions include carbohydrate
metabolism, regulation of calcium ions, synthesis of steroids and lipids,
drug detoxification, metabolism of steroids, etc.
In case of muscle cells, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum stores
calcium, which is released during contraction of the muscles.
This cell organelle has the function of detoxification in liver cells.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum function involves the transportation of
newly synthesized proteins to other locations in the cell or outside the
cell. This is achieved through a process called budding, wherein the
small vesicles, which contain proteins, are detached from the smooth
endoplasmic reticulum and are carried to other locations.
This cell organelle also aids in converting glucose-6-phosphate to
glucose, which is an important step in gluconeogenesis.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum in plant cells may connect between
cells through plasmodesmata
Now, you know more about smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which
plays an important role in various metabolic processes. Its surface area
is also used for the action or storage of important enzymes.