What is the difference between smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum?
The endoplasmic reticulum is a delicate membranous structure contiguous to the nuclear membrane and present in the cytoplasm. It forms an extensive net of channels throughout the cell and is classified into rough or smooth types. The rough endoplasmic reticulum has a great number of ribosomes attached to the external side of its membrane. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not have ribosomes attached to its membrane. The main functions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum are synthesis and storage of proteins made in the ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in the lipid synthesis and, in muscle cells, it is important in the conduction of the contraction stimulus.
