Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Question 1

Where is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) located in a cell?

Answer 1

Found in animal and plant cells, located in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell

Question 2

What is the structural appearance of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 2

It lacks ribosomes giving it a “smooth” appearance and is a network of tubular membranes bounded by a single membrane.

Question 3

How does the smooth ER differ from the rough ER?

Answer 3

The smooth ER lacks ribosomes while the rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface.

Question 4

What are the main functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 4

1. Synthesis and storage of lipids (cholesterol, phospholipids and steroids)

Question 5

How does the smooth ER contribute to detoxification?

Answer 5

In the liver, enzymes in the SER break down harmful substances like alcohol and drugs in the liver

Question 6

What is the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 6

It stores calcium ions and releases them in response to nerve stimuli triggering muscle contractions (homeostasis).

Question 7

What does the SER play a role in?

Answer 7

The SER plays a role in the conversion of glycogen to glucose (hydrolysis of a carbohydrate)