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

19604 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Excessive dopamine causes schizophrenia. A drug used to treat schizophrenia binds to dopamine receptors in synapses. This binding does not lead to Action potentials. How can the drug used to treat schizophrenia bind to the same receptor as dopamine?


What causes the heart to contract?


How is an action potential generated?


Why is sucrose digested faster than starch?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning