Which are the more abundant ribosomes in secretory cells - the free cytoplasmic ribosomes or those associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Free cytoplasmic ribosomes are more related to protein production for internal cellular consumption whereas those adhered to the rough endoplasmic reticulum are more important in protein synthesis for exportation. Proteins made by adhered ribosomes enter the rough endoplasmic reticulum and are later transmitted to the Golgi apparatus. So in secretory cells ribosomes adhered to the endoplasmic reticulum are more noticable.