Endoplasmic reticulum

Question 1

What is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Answer 1

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a type of organelle that forms an interconnected network of thin folded
membranes. The composition is similar to that of the cell membrane and nuclear membranes.

Question 2

What is filled by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Answer 2

A large part of the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells is filled by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Question 3

What is special about the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Answer 3

They form a maze of enclosed spaces. The interior of this maze is called lumen.

Question 4

Why is the maze of enclosed spaces and the ER membranes so important?

Answer 4

Because numerous processes, for example the

production of proteins and lipids, occur both on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and inside the lumen.

Question 5

The endoplasmic reticulum must be large enough to accomodate all the se processes. Ho does it fit inside a cell?

Answer 5

The membrane of the endoplasmic membrane (ER) has many creases and folds. These folds and creases allow the ER to take up less space inside a cell.

Question 6

Which types of endoplasmic reticulum exist?

Answer 6

There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER):

1. Rough ER (with ribosomes)
2. Smooth ER (without ribosomes)

The rough ER has ribosomes that are both the site in protein synthesis. The smooth ER makes limpids and performs a variety of other specialized functions, such as breaking down drugs and alcohol.

Question 7

REMEMBER!

Answer 7

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) aids in the production of proteins and lipids!