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

22036 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain how temperature affects the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction?


Describe the process of Oxidative Phosphorylation in the light dependent stage of photosynthesis


Messenger RNA (mRNA) is used during translation to form polypeptides. Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell.


Describe the process of glycolysis in respiration.


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