Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER) is an organelle involved in the synthesis of lipids, metabolism of carbohydrates, and detoxification of drugs and poisons. Unlike rough ER, it lacks ribosomes on its surface, giving it a smooth appearance. Smooth ER is particularly abundant in cells that produce steroid hormones and lipids.
Recommended video:
Steroid Hormone Production
Steroid hormones, such as estrogen, are synthesized from cholesterol and are primarily produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and testes. The production of these hormones requires a significant amount of smooth ER, as it is the site where lipid synthesis occurs. Therefore, cells involved in steroid hormone production typically have a well-developed smooth ER.
Recommended video:
Actions of Steroid Hormones
Cellular Function and Specialization
Different cell types have specialized functions that dictate their organelle composition. For instance, pancreatic cells are rich in rough ER for protein synthesis, while ovarian cells have abundant smooth ER for hormone production. Understanding the relationship between cell type and organelle prevalence is crucial for identifying which cell would have the most smooth ER.
Recommended video: