What is the job of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
1 Answer
Jan 4, 2017
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) is found in a variety of cell types and has functions in several metabolic processes.
Explanation:
It synthesises lipids, phospholipids and steroids. Cells of the testes, ovaries and sebaceous glands have an abundance of SER.
SER also carries out the metabolism of carbohydrates and steroids.
It also carries out the detoxification of natural metabolism products and of alcohol and drugs, as well as attachment of receptors on cell membrane proteins.
SER also contains the enzyme glucose 6 phosphatase , which converts glucose 6 phosphate to glucose, during gluconeogenesis.
The network of SER allows for an increased surface area , to be devoted to the action or storage of key enzymes and the products of these enzymes.
