Difference Between Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The main difference between Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum is that the RER is primarily involved in the synthesis and modification of proteins, while the SER is involved in the synthesis and modification of lipids and plays a role in a variety of other cellular processes. SER and RER are two different types of ER which are organelles found in eukaryotic cells. 

Difference Between Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

In eukaryotic cells, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a complicated network of membrane-bound compartments. It is divided into two kinds of structures: rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). The appearance, location within the cell, and functions of these two types of ER vary. The rough appearance of RER is caused by the presence of ribosomes on its surface, which are engaged in protein synthesis. SER, on the other hand, lacks ribosomes and appears homogeneous. SER participates in lipid production, metabolism, detoxification, and calcium storage. We will contrast and contrast the characteristics of RER and SER in this table to emphasize their similarities and differences.

Characterization	Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)	Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
Appearance	Its surface is dotted with ribosomes, giving it a rough look.	Its surface is Smooth, with no ribosomes
Function	Associated with protein synthesis, modification, and delivery	Involved in the production and metabolism of lipids
Protein synthesis	Ribosomes on the RER’s exterior produce proteins.	Protein synthesis is not implicated.
Lipid synthesis	Some lipids can be synthesized, but this is not the main function.	This is the primary location for lipid synthesis and metabolism.
Calcium storage	Can store and release calcium ions	Can store and release calcium ions
Toxicity	Drug and other harmful chemical detoxification	Drug and another substance cleansing
Membrane structure	Because of protein production, it has ribosomes and a rough surface	Smooth surface due to lack of ribosomes
Secretory pathway	RER, for example, changes proteins by folding them and adding lipids.	SER does not modify proteins

Smooth vs Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Diagram

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) gets its name from its surface, which gives it a “rough” appearance when observed under a microscope. Ribosomes on the RER produce proteins that are either released or introduced into the plasma membrane. As freshly synthesized proteins are threaded through the RER membrane, chaperone proteins help them fold into their proper three-dimensional shape. RER is bountiful in cells that emit proteins, for example, pancreatic cells that discharge stomach-related catalysts and plasma cells that discharge antibodies.

Structure of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

1. The RER has ribosomes on its surface, giving it a “rough” look.
2. Ribosomes on the RER are the location of protein synthesis, 
3. RER produces proteins for secretion or insertion into the plasma membrane.
4. The RER is composed of compressed sacs known as cisternae that are linked together by tubules.

Functions of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

1. The RER’s main function is to synthesize and modify proteins.
2. Chaperone proteins aid in the threading of freshly synthesized proteins through the RER membrane and folding them into the proper three-dimensional shape.
3. Protein quality control is another function of the RER, which makes sure that only correctly folded proteins are permitted to exit the ER and travel to their intended location.
4. In cells that secrete a lot of protein, like plasma cells and pancreatic cells, the RER is especially prevalent.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

It is called smooth since because it doesn’t have ribosomes on its surface. It is engaged with lipid metabolism, including the blend of phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroids. It likewise assumes a part in the detoxification of medications and unsafe substances in the liver cells. SER is likewise associated with calcium capacity and delivery, which is significant for muscle constrictions and different cell flagging pathways.

Structure of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

1.  The SER appears “smooth” because there are no ribosomes on its surface.
2. The SER is composed of tubules that are attached to one another as well as to the RER.

Functions of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum 

1. Lipid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and drug and toxin detoxification are just a few of the metabolic processes in which the SER is engaged.
2. The SER is where phospholipids and cholesterol are synthesized, both of which are essential components of the plasma membrane and other cell membranes.
3. The SER is involved in carbohydrate, steroid, and other lipid biosynthesis.
4. The storage and release of calcium, which is necessary for muscular contraction and other cellular functions, is another function of the SER.

FAQs on Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Q1: What is the function of the RER and SER?

Answer: 

RER plays an important role in protein synthesis with the help of ribosomes on the surface, while SER does lipid metabolism and stores lipids and steroids.

Q2: What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer: 

The endoplasmic reticulum is made up of two types rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).

Q3: What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer: 

The endoplasmic reticulum is engaged in many cellular processes, such as protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and calcium storage. It also participates in the folding and modification of newly synthesized proteins, assuring proper conformation and function.