Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Bethany Beck
Emma Sanderson
Definition
“A network of tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the
cell, occurring either with a smooth surface (smooth endoplasmic
reticulum) or studded with ribosomes (rough endoplasmic
reticulum) involved in the transport of materials.”
Location
● The ER extends from the nuclear membrane through the
cytoplasm.
● In eukaryotic cells, it makes up nearly half of all cell
membranes.
● About 10% of the cell volume is the space inside the ER,
called the lumen.
Function
● Folds protein molecules in sacs called cisternae
● Transports synthesized proteins in vesicles to the golgi
apparatus
● Only properly folded proteins leave the endoplasmic
reticulum
Importance
● The ER is responsible for the synthesis of complex
molecules, such as lipids.
● Ribosomes on the rough ER produce proteins.
● In the liver, the smooth ER helps with the detox of drugs.
● In reproduction, hormones such as testosterone and estrogen
are produced.
Interaction
● The ER and mitochondria interact with each other.
● When both are not completely functional, insulin resistance
occurs throughout the body.
● Type 2 diabetes occurs from this.
Appearance
● Rough ER has ribosomes attached on the outer side that gives
them a rough appearance
● Smooth ER has no ribosomes giving it a smooth look
Images
Disorder
● without the SER calcium ions would not be released in the
nerve cell thus affecting movement
● In liver cells the smooth ER contains and produces enzymes
that break down harmful drugs detoxifying the body
Research
“Over the last decade, it has become clear that the accumulation
of misfolded proteins contributes to a number of
neurodegenerative, immune, and endocrine pathologies, as well
as other age-related illnesses.”
Works Cited
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http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/endoplasmic-reticulum
https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Endoplasmic_reticulum.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9889/
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/endoplasmicreticulum/images/endoplasmicreticulumfigure1.jpg
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/endret.html
http://medcell.med.yale.edu/histology/cell_lab/smooth_endoplasmic_reticulum.php
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/2012/242984/
http://circres.ahajournals.org/content/101/10/975.abstract