Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Endomembrane System: Protein Secretion

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Endomembrane System: Protein Secretion

Previous problemNext problem

2:50 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

In which cell would you find the most rough ER?a. pancreatic cell that secretes digestive enzymesb. ovarian cell that produces estrogen (a steroid hormone)c. muscle cell in the thigh of a long-distance runnerd. white blood cell that engulfs bacteria

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the function of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Rough ER is primarily involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins, especially those that are secreted or membrane-bound.

Consider the role of each cell type: Pancreatic cells secrete digestive enzymes, which are proteins, requiring extensive protein synthesis machinery.

Evaluate the other options: Ovarian cells produce steroid hormones, which are lipids, not proteins, so they rely more on smooth ER. Muscle cells require proteins for contraction but not as much secretion. White blood cells engulf bacteria, which involves phagocytosis and lysosomal activity, not primarily protein secretion.

Determine which cell type relies most on protein synthesis and secretion: Pancreatic cells need to produce and secrete large amounts of digestive enzymes, indicating a high demand for rough ER.

Conclude that the pancreatic cell that secretes digestive enzymes would have the most rough ER due to its role in protein synthesis and secretion.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER) is a type of endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface, giving it a 'rough' appearance. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis and processing of proteins, particularly those that are secreted from the cell or incorporated into the cell membrane.

Protein Synthesis in Pancreatic Cells

Pancreatic cells, specifically acinar cells, are specialized for the production of digestive enzymes. These cells have a high concentration of rough ER to facilitate the synthesis of these proteins, which are then secreted into the digestive tract. This makes pancreatic cells a prime example of cells with abundant rough ER.

Cellular Functions of Other Cell Types

Other cell types mentioned, such as ovarian cells, muscle cells, and white blood cells, have different primary functions. Ovarian cells primarily produce steroid hormones and have more smooth ER, muscle cells focus on contraction and energy metabolism, and white blood cells are involved in immune responses, which do not require as much rough ER for protein synthesis.