Question

What is the importance of Endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

There are two morphological forms of endoplasmic reticulum i.e SER (smooth endoplasmic reticulum) and RER (rough endoplasmic reticulum) plays an important role in many cell functions.

The RER is involved in the synthesis of proteins. After synthesis the proteins are either stored in the cytoplasm or exported out of the cell through endoplasmic reticulum.

The SER helps in metabolism of number of different types of molecules particularly lipids. They also help to detoxify the harmful drugs. In some cells SER is responsible for transmission of impulses, e.g muscle cells, nerve cells. It also plays an important role in transport of materials from one part of the cell to the other.

Endoplasmic reticulum also provides mechanical support to the cell so that its shape is maintained.