What is the difference between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes bound to its surface, and it has a flattened-sac appearance. The RER is involved in packaging proteins to send to the Golgi apparatus. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) has no ribosomes on its surface and has a branched tubular structure. It is the site at which certain lipid molecules are synthesized and it plays a role in detoxification of certain hydrophobic molecules.

BF
Answered by Bethany F. Biology tutor

18771 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Trypsin is a protease produced in an inactive form in some cells of the pancreas. Suggest the advantage of producing it in an inactive form?


A myelinated axon conducts impulses faster than a non-myelinated axon. Explain this difference:


Explain the process of aerobic respiration in animals


What is ATP and what makes it a good source of energy in biological processes?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning