4. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) 4.
Compartmentalization
Definition Divides the cytoplasm into separate
compartments, allowing different
The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is an metabolic reactions to occur efficiently
extensive network of membrane-bound tubules without interfering with one another.
and flattened sacs (cisternae) present in the
cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, except
mature red blood cells (RBCs) and ova (egg
cells). It is the largest organelle of the Types of Endoplasmic Reticulum
endomembrane system and forms more than
The ER is of two types based on the presence or
50% of the total membrane of a eukaryotic
absence of ribosomes.
cell.
A. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
Structure
Structure of Endoplasmic Reticulum Ribosomes are attached to the outer
surface of the membrane.
The ER consists of interconnected
membranous tubules and flattened Appears rough under an electron
sacs called cisternae. microscope.
It divides the cytoplasm into two regions: Functions
o Laminal cytoplasm – Present
inside the lumen (cavity) of the ER. 1. Protein Synthesis
o Non-laminal cytoplasm – Present Ribosomes attached to the RER synthesize
outside the ER. proteins.
The membrane of the ER is continuous These proteins enter the lumen of the ER
with the outer membrane of the immediately after synthesis.
nuclear envelope, forming a continuous
2. Formation of Secretory Proteins
internal membrane system.
It extends throughout the cytoplasm and The proteins synthesized by ribosomes attached
serves as an intracellular transport to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
network. are called secretory proteins because they are
transported out of the cell or delivered to other
organelles.
Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum Formation of Secretory Proteins
Ribosomes attached to the RER synthesize
1. Mechanical Support
proteins.
Acts as an intracellular supporting Newly synthesized proteins enter the
framework. lumen of the RER.
Maintains the shape and organization of Inside the ER, proteins undergo folding
the cell. and initial modifications.
Holds various cell organelles in their These proteins are enclosed within
proper positions. transport vesicles that bud off from the
2. Intracellular Transport transitional region of the ER.
Transport vesicles carry the proteins to
Serves as a transport system within the the Golgi apparatus for further
cell. modification, sorting, and packaging.
Facilitates the movement of proteins, Finally, secretory vesicles fuse with the
lipids, and other substances from one part plasma membrane and release the
of the cell to another. proteins outside the cell by exocytosis.
3. Membrane Biogenesis Examples of Secretory Proteins
Synthesizes membrane proteins and Insulin
phospholipids.
Digestive enzymes
Contributes to the growth and formation of
Antibodies
cellular membranes.
Peptide hormones
Collagen Thus, the ER plays an essential role in the
formation and maintenance of cellular
3. Membrane Formation membranes.
RER synthesizes membrane proteins.
It supplies membrane components to the
Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, plasma
membrane, and other organelles. Differences Between Rough ER and Smooth ER
Cells Rich in RER Feature Rough ER (RER) Smooth ER (SER)
Pancreatic acinar cells Ribosom Present Absent
Plasma cells es
Protein-secreting gland cells Appeara Rough Smooth
nce
Main Protein Lipid synthesis
B. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) Function synthesis
Structure Secretor Yes No
y
Ribosomes are absent.
Proteins
Surface appears smooth.
Detoxific No Yes
Functions ation
1. Lipid Synthesis Calcium No Yes
Storage
Synthesizes phospholipids, cholesterol,
and steroid hormones. Steroid No Yes
Synthesi
Examples s
Found Pancreas, Liver, Adrenal
Adrenal cortex Abundan Plasma cells gland, Testes,
Testes tly In Ovaries, Muscle
Ovaries cells
2. Detoxification
Important Examples
Detoxifies drugs, alcohol, and poisonous
substances. Cell Type ER Type Function
Highly developed in liver cells. Pancreati Rough ER Insulin and
c cells enzyme
synthesis
3. Calcium Storage Plasma Rough ER Antibody
Stores calcium ions (Ca²⁺). cells production
Specialized SER in muscle cells is called Liver cells Smooth ER Detoxification
the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR). Adrenal Smooth ER Steroid
cortex hormone
synthesis
Membrane Biogenesis Testes Smooth ER Testosterone
synthesis
The ER membrane continuously grows by the Ovaries Smooth ER Estrogen and
addition of membrane proteins and progesterone
phospholipids. synthesis
Parts of the ER membrane are transferred to: Muscle Smooth ER Calcium storage
cells (Sarcoplasmic
Golgi apparatus Reticulum)
Lysosomes
Plasma membrane
Other organelles of the endomembrane
system
NCERT / HSC Important Points
Present in all eukaryotic cells except
mature RBCs and ova.
Forms more than 50% of the total
membrane system of the cell.
Continuous with the outer nuclear
membrane.
Divides cytoplasm into laminal and non-
laminal regions.
RER synthesizes secretory proteins.
SER synthesizes lipids and steroid
hormones.
SER detoxifies drugs and poisons.
SER stores calcium ions.