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THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

The Endoplasmic reticulum is one of the basic units of a eukaryotic cell present in the cytoplasm. It has a certain function to perform in the cell, most importantly in the transportation of the cells.

Every plant and animal, as well as protozoa, fungi, etc., consists of eukaryotic cells. The eukaryotic cell is said to be made up of a nucleus as well as an organelle is, and one of the most important parts of these eukaryotic cells are endoplasmic reticulum. These endoplasmic reticula are the tubular structured organelle that is present in the cytoplasm of the eukaryotic cells and performs the basic function of the transportation of these cells. Moreover, they have several other activities to perform within the cell, which include the packing of the protein molecules into sacs called cisternae, transportation of the glycoproteins across the membrane, etc.

ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM:

The endoplasmic reticulum is known for the activity of transporting the eukaryotic cells. These are basically present in the cytoplasm of the cells and perform the transportation of the proteins within the membrane as well as play an important role in the folding of the protein molecules into sacs, forming an interconnected network called cisternae. The membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum is in continuity with the outer nucleus membrane. However, these are not present in the red blood cells. These are tubular in shape and made up of basically two subunits, which are termed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Both of these have their distinctive role to play within the body. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is meant to regulate the steroid hormones as well as synthesise several lipids, so as to maintain the metabolism of the body. On the other hand, the rough endoplasmic reticulum plays a vital role in the synthesis of protein molecules, protein sorting as well as protein secretion.

FUNCTIONS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM:

The endoplasmic reticulum had the basic function of the transportation of eukaryotic cells, as well as the folding of protein molecules. However, the overall functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum depends upon the distinctive functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic. Specific functions of each of these reticular are:

  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum undertakes the functioning of the nervous system as well as the muscular systems. These are responsible for the production of steroid hormones as well as the synthesis of several lipids, for example, phospholipids and cholesterol. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum also manages the metabolism of the body.
  • Rough endoplasmic reticulum: The basic function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is the secretion and synthesis of proteins. The basic role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is the folding of protein molecules into membranes, which are called cisternae. The protein sorting is also a responsible activity of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

 

STRUCTURE OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM:

The endoplasmic reticulum shows the tubular structure of this endoplasmic reticulum and describes the detail of the two subunits, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The details of the smooth endoplasmic and rough endoplasmic reticulum structures are.

  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is tubular in shape and does not consist of any ribosomes. These have the basic function of controlling the metabolism as well as the production of phospholipids. It has the basic role of transporting the secretion of hormones produced by the rough endoplasmic reticulum towards different organelle, most importantly, the Golgi Apparatus.
  • Rough endoplasmic reticulum: The rough endoplasmic reticulum got its name because of its distinctive appearance as it is made up of several ribosomes and interconnected flattened membranes. These are present in the location where the protein synthesis takes place and plays an important role in the distribution of the protein molecules in the liver and secretion of several hormones in the glands.

CONCLUSION:

The endoplasmic reticulum is found in the cytoplasm of the eukaryotic cells. The basic principle of this endoplasmic reticulum is the synthesis of a protein. These are responsible for the formation of a number of lipids, which include phospholipids, cholesterol, etc. However, the overall metabolism of the body is controlled by the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is made up of 2 subunits which are termed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Each of these reticulums has its distinctive function and role in the body. Moreover, it plays an important role in the folding of the protein molecules into the sac, which is formed as the interconnected membrane structure called cisternae.

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What is the eukaryotic cell?

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What do you mean by endoplasmic reticulum?

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What are the components of the endoplasmic reticulum?

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What are the basic functions of the endoplasmic reticulum?

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