Multiple Choice
In eukaryotic cells, what is the key structural and functional difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
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13. Intracellular Protein Transport
ER Processing and Transport
Multiple Choice
In the context of ER processing and transport, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is the portion of the ER that primarily:
A
Lacks ribosomes and primarily synthesizes lipids and steroid hormones
B
Packages proteins into secretory vesicles and modifies them extensively with complex glycosylation
C
Contains hydrolytic enzymes and carries out intracellular digestion of macromolecules
D
Has ribosomes bound to its cytosolic surface and synthesizes proteins destined for secretion, membranes, or the endomembrane system
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by distinguishing between its two main types: rough ER (RER) and smooth ER (SER).
Recall that the rough ER is characterized by the presence of ribosomes attached to its cytosolic surface, which gives it a 'rough' appearance under the microscope.
Recognize that these ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, specifically for proteins that are destined to be secreted from the cell, incorporated into the plasma membrane, or sent to other organelles within the endomembrane system.
Contrast this with the smooth ER, which lacks ribosomes and is primarily involved in lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, as well as detoxification processes.
Conclude that the rough ER's main role is to synthesize proteins with specific destinations, while the smooth ER handles lipid-related functions, making the correct description of the rough ER the one involving ribosome-bound protein synthesis.
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