Discuss the structure and function of Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus?
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of interconnected channels that extends from the cell membrane to the nuclear envelope. This network exists in two forms;
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER):
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is so-named because of its rough appearance due to the numerous ribosomes that are attached to it.
The function of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER):
It connects to the nuclear envelope through which the messenger RNA (mRNA) travels to the ribosomes. Due to the presence of ribosomes, RER serves a function in protein synthesis.
- Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER):
The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid metabolism and the transport of materials from one part of the cell to the other. It also detoxifies the harmful chemicals that have entered the cell.
Golgi Apparatus:
An Italian physician named Camillo Golgi discovered a set of flattened sacs (cisternae) that are stacked over each other. Golgi named this set of cisternae as Golgi apparatus. It is also called the Golgi body or Golgi complex and is found in both plant and animal cells.
Functions of Golgi Apparatus:
It modifies molecules coming from rough ER and packs them into small membrane-bound sacs called Golgi vesicles. These sacs can be transported to various locations in the cell or its exterior, in the form of secretions.
