– The body of a living thing is composed of many body cells that have their respective functions. One part of the cell in the body is the endoplasmic reticulum which has a function for the synthesis and transportation of proteins.
Endoplasmic reticulum (RE) is one of the organelles in cells that have membranes or eukaryotic cells. The endoplasmic reticulum has the shape of a flattened pouch that extends from the nuclear network throughout the cytoplasm
The endoplasmic reticulum is a large dynamic structure that has many roles in the cell. Starting from the process of storage and synthesis of calcium and also the metabolism of phospholipids and cholesterol.
So, in this article, we will discuss all about the endoplasmic reticulum, from the smooth to the rough. For those of you who want to know what the endoplasmic reticulum is, let’s look at the discussion below!
Structure and Function of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
Rough endoplasmic reticulum in English is also known as Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER). Reporting from the module entitled Cell Structure, Function, and Regulation by I Made Subagiartha, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is called that because its surface is covered with many ribosomes.
Ribosomes that begin to synthesize proteins with specific destinations, such as certain organelles or membranes, attach to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The protein that is formed will be pushed to the inside of the endoplasmic reticulum which is known as the lumen.
Inside the lumen, the protein is folded and modified. For example, by adding carbohydrates to form glycoproteins.
The protein is then transferred to other parts of the cell in small vesicles that project out of the endoplasmic reticulum and join organelles that play a further role in the process of modification and distribution. Most of the protein goes to the Golgi body which will package and sort it to be delivered to its final destination.
From the discussion above, the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is to take part in the process of protein synthesis and then transport proteins to other parts. The rough endoplasmic reticulum functions to produce, package, and transport secretory proteins such as antibodies, blood clotting proteins, insulin, enzymes, mucin, and collagen.
Structure and Function of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum in English is also known as Soft Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER). The smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a different structure and function from the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Summarized from the module entitled Cell Structure, Function, and Regulation by I Made Subagiartha, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have ribosomes on its surface, like the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Quoted from the module entitled Cells from Malikussaleh University, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum actually originates from the rough endoplasmic reticulum which has been left behind by its ribosomes.
With this, the shape and structure tends to be soft and smooth so it is referred to as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). The smooth endoplasmic reticulum consists of tubules that lie on the periphery of the cell.
These tubes also branch and form a reticular network. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum also creates a widened area that looks like a sac, thus making the surface area wider to improve the performance of the smooth SER or ER.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a function for the synthesis of lipid components of cell membranes. In certain types of cells, such as liver cells, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum membrane contains enzymes that convert drugs, toxins, and toxic byproducts of cell metabolism into compounds that are less toxic or more easily excreted by the body.
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum also functions in transporting products from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to other cellular organelles, especially the Golgi apparatus. In addition, the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum also plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism to store and release calcium ions.
Difference between Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Quoted from the Britannica website, the difference between smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum is in its structure. Smooth ER has a smooth structure, whereas rough ER has a structure that tends to be rough.
The structural differences can be seen from the ribosomes in each type of endoplasmic reticulum. Rough ER has ribosomes while smooth ER doesn’t have ribosomes.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is made up of multiple layers of a double membrane made up of ribosomes. Meanwhile, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have ribosomes, only various coiled and interlocking tubular sheets.
In addition, the rough endoplasmic reticulum has a function as a means of transporting substances in cells and for protein synthesis. Whereas the smooth endoplasmic reticulum has the function of carrying out lipid synthesis in cells, carbohydrate metabolism, helping to detoxify harmful cells, as well as for storing calcium ions.
So, that’s a complete discussion of the structure and function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). From the discussion above, we can conclude that the difference lies in the presence or absence of ribosomes.
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