What is the difference between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes bound to its surface, and it has a flattened-sac appearance. The RER is involved in packaging proteins to send to the Golgi apparatus. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) has no ribosomes on its surface and has a branched tubular structure. It is the site at which certain lipid molecules are synthesized and it plays a role in detoxification of certain hydrophobic molecules.

BF
Answered by Bethany F. Biology tutor

20006 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between the different sturctures of proteins?


What is Krebs cycle and what is its role in aerobic respiration


In humans, males are XY and females are XX. Why are sex-linked characteristics more common in males than females?


Describe the three different types of point mutation, and explain for each what the effect on the final gene product is likely to be


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning