Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

Definition

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is an organelle in eukaryotic cells involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage. Unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, it lacks ribosomes on its surface.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SER plays a crucial role in the synthesis of lipids and steroids.
2. It is involved in detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs within liver cells.
3. SER regulates calcium ion concentration, especially in muscle cells for contraction.
4. It helps transport synthesized lipids to other parts of the cell.
5. Unlike rough ER, SER does not have ribosomes attached to its membrane.

Review Questions

• What are the primary functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
• How does the smooth ER differ from the rough ER?
• Why is the smooth ER important for liver cells?

Related terms

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER): An organelle with ribosomes on its surface, involved in protein synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus: An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.

Ribosome: A molecular machine that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.