An In-depth Look at the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Hello learner! It is nice to have your attention to basic biology once again. Today I want to teach you about a very crucial organelle in the cells of all living things called endoplasmic reticulum. First though, I hope you know what an organelle is. If not, this is simply an organized or specialized structure within a living cell. I hope this is not beginning to sound too technical and above your level. My intention is to keep it pretty simple and straightforward without deviating from basic in biology. So, without further ado, let us get started with the definition of the endoplasmic reticulum.
What Is Endoplasmic Reticulum?
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important type of organelle found in eukaryotic cells that forms an interconnected network of tube-like structures called cisternae. Eukaryotic cells are simply those whose nucleus is enclosed within as opposed to outside the membranes(prokaryotic cells).
There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum i.e smooth ER and rough ER. The former lacks microorganic particles consisting of ribonucleic acid(RNA) and associated proteins, known as "ribosomes". RNA is simply a nucleic acid present in all living cells, which acts as a chemical messenger carrying instructions DNA instructions in the process of protein synthesis. In addition, smooth ER functions in lipid synthesis but not metabolism, detoxification or the production of steroid hormones.
The rough ER, on the other hand, contains ribosomes in the outer surface for protein synthesis. That is the primary difference between the two types of ERs.
It goes without saying that endoplasmic reticulum is present in almost every type of eukaryotic cell except sperm cells as well as red blood cells.
Functions of the Endoplasmic Reticulum
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum? This is a common exam question for learners who are studying basic biology. Who knows, it could even feature in your next paper. Therefore, I want you to be extremely focused and attentive for the next part of this article.
The endoplasmic reticulum plays an important role in keeping you alive and serves many general functions essential for the cell. These functions include the folding of protein molecules in sacs known as "cisternae" and the transport of synthesized proteins in special vessels called "vesicles" to the Golgi complex/apparatus. The Golgi Apparatus then processes the semi-finished proteins and finalizes them, before releasing them to the body.
Endomembrane System Dysfunction
Just like organs, organelles can deteriorate in health and eventually become dysfunctional. A dysfunctional endomembrane system comprising of unhealthy endoplasmic reticuli can lead to a wide variety of neurological disorders. These include Alzheimer's disease, sleep apnoea, cerebral ischemia, multiple sclerosis, the prion diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, and familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). If not addressed in time, some of these neurological disorders can lead to serious problems such as temporary/permanent madness, blindness, and deafness. Stroke is another potential threat.
It is my hope that you now understand what the endoplasmic reticulum is and the primary function it serves. What does the endoplasmic reticulum do? It transports semi-processed protein molecules to the Golgi complex for final processing before they are released to the body. The membrane system, which controls the ER and the Golgi apparatus can deteriorate in health and become dysfunctional. If that happens, a number of neurological health conditions can occur, needing immediate attention. Some of these disorders, if not addressed in time, can lead to serious effects like madness, blindness, deafness and even stroke.
What You Have Learned
• There are two types of endoplasmic reticuli; smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic reticulum.
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks ribosomes but rough endoplasmic reticulum contains ribosomes.
• Ribosomes are microscopic particles that contain ribonucleic acid(RNA).
• RNA act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the process of protein synthesis.
• The endoplasmic reticulum is present in every eukaryotic cell except sperm cells as well as red blood cells.
• The primary functions of the endoplasmic reticulum are to fold synthesized protein molecules and transport them to the Golgi complex/apparatus for processing before being released to the body.
• The job of the Golgi Apparatus is to process and finalize semi-finished proteins and then release them to the body.
