What is the difference between the rough ER and the smooth ER? What is the ER doing that is different in each case?
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of interconnected, flattened membranous sacs called the cisternae. It is of two types namely the rough Endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and the smooth Endoplasmic reticulum (SER). The surface of rough ER is characterized by the presence of the ribosomes whereas the surface of the smooth ER is smooth and do not show the presence of ribosomes.
The function of the rough ER and the smooth ER are different from each other. The rough ER is involved in the manufacture, packaging of proteins and synthesis of enzymes. The smooth ER is involved in the synthesis of lipids, steroid hormones and lipid metabolism.