MooMooMath and Science: The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Introduction

• Discussion on the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
• Found in both plant and animal cells, not in bacteria
• Consists of folded membranes resembling a transportation system
• Located near the nucleus
• Functions to transport materials throughout the cell

Types of Endoplasmic Reticulum

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

• Located close to the nucleus
• Appearance due to ribosomes embedded in membranes
• Functions:
  • Produces proteins
  • Transports proteins to the Golgi apparatus
  • Proteins may cross ER, package into vesicles, and travel within the cell

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

• Smooth appearance as it lacks ribosomes
• Functions:
  • Produces enzymes
  • Enzymes may travel to the Golgi apparatus
  • Produces lipids, important for cell function
  • Transports lipids throughout the cell or packages them into vesicles for release into the cytoplasm

Summary

• ER serves as a transportation system for creating and distributing proteins, enzymes, and lipids within the cell.

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