Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the primary difference between smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells?
A
Smooth ER contains DNA, while rough ER is responsible for RNA synthesis.
B
Smooth ER is responsible for photosynthesis, while rough ER is involved in cellular respiration.
C
Smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis, while rough ER is studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis.
D
Smooth ER transports proteins, while rough ER stores calcium ions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells. The ER is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
Differentiate between the two types of ER: smooth and rough. The rough ER is characterized by the presence of ribosomes on its surface, giving it a 'rough' appearance under a microscope.
Recognize the primary function of the rough ER. The ribosomes on the rough ER are sites for protein synthesis, where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on the instructions from mRNA.
Identify the main role of the smooth ER. Unlike the rough ER, the smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is primarily involved in the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids and steroids, and in some cells, it also plays a role in detoxification processes.
Conclude that the primary difference between smooth and rough ER is their function: smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis, while rough ER is studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis.