How do smooth endoplasmic reticulum function?
1 Answer
The mechanical support, exchange, translocation, sythesis of organic compounds etc., are performed on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Explanation:
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum forms a continuous system with rough endoplasmic reticulum. It consists of smooth membrane segments and is found in the regions of rich glycogen. It is related with peroxisomes.
The functions of SER include mechanical support to the cells, exchange and translocation of substances, synthesis of lipoprotein, glycogen, etc.
Mechanical Support to the Cells- It forms a cytoskeleton network in cytoplasm and divides the cytoplasm into a number of chambers.
Translocation and Exchange- The enormous surface areas of SER help in diffusion and active transport of chemical compounds through the membranes. It translocates substances within the cell and from the cytoplasm to outsides of neighbouring cells and vice versa.
Protein synthesis- The proteins are synthesized on rough endoplasmic reticulum by the help of attached ribosomes. The synthesized proteins are stored in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and finally it is translocated to the sinks.
Synthesis of lipoprotein and glycogen-The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesized lipids with the help of Golgi Complex. It also synthesized the glycogen. So SERs are concentrated in the cells related with the glycogen metabolism.
