Q. What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
The endoplasmic reticulum is a delicate membranous structure contiguous to the nuclear membrane as well as present in the cytoplasm. It forms an extensive net of channels throughout the cell and is classified into smooth or rough kind.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum has a great number of ribosomes attached to the outside side of its membrane. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have ribosomes attached to its membrane.
The major functions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum are synthesis and storage of proteins made in the ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in muscle cells and, the lipid synthesis in, it are vital in the conduction of the contraction stimulus.