The functions of smooth ER include carbohydrate metabolism, regulation of calcium ions, synthesis and metabolism of steroids and lipids, drug detoxification, storage of enzymes, steroids and ions, membrane synthesis, etc.Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is assigned with various functions, that may vary with different types of cells. It is mainly responsible for production and metabolism of lipids. The smooth ER is like an interconnected tubular network that may extend to the periphery of the cell. The smooth ER is said to be derived from the rough type and is mostly found as a continuation of the latter. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – Location and FunctionsĪs mentioned above, the two types of endoplasmic reticulum differ in appearance, location, function and concentration. In general, the concentration of smooth ER is less, when compared to that of rough ER. The smooth ER has very few or no ribosomes. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, which give the granular appearance. Rough ER is mainly found near the nucleus and the Golgi apparatus, whereas smooth ones extend to the periphery of the cell. Most of the cells consist of both rough and smooth types, which are mostly continuous in nature. The third and the last type, called sarcoplasmic reticulum, is a type of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which is found in smooth and striated muscles. There are three different types of endoplasmic reticulum – rough, smooth, and sarcoplasmic reticulum. The cross-section diagram given below shows the nucleus and the perinuclear space, the rough endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. It is surrounded by cytosol, the liquid part of the cytoplasm, in which the organelles are suspended. Endoplasmic reticulum is arranged in irregular rows, along the circumference of the nucleus. The cisternal space is found in continuation with the perinuclear space – the space between the inner and outer nuclear membranes.
The internal space of the organelle, called cisternal space, is interconnected and fluid-filled.
What is Endoplasmic Reticulum?Įndoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a complex network of membranes, that is found in the form tubules, and compressed, sac-like structures called cisternae. However, recent researches suggest that certain types of prokaryotic cells have organelles resembling the endoplasmic reticulum.
It is found in eukaryotic plant and animal cells, and not in prokaryotic cells. One of the most vital parts of a cell, the endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for various functions, like protein synthesis. Did you know that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a vital role in the detoxification process, that takes place in the liver? It has been noted that the amount of smooth ER in the liver increases considerably, when there is an overload of toxins in the body.
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