What is the primary difference between the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells?

• A. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for detoxification, while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for calcium storage.
• B. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis, while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis.
• C. The rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes on its surface, while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not.
• D. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is found only in animal cells, while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is found only in plant cells.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells. The ER is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
2. Differentiate between the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The rough ER is characterized by the presence of ribosomes on its surface, giving it a 'rough' appearance under a microscope. These ribosomes are sites for protein synthesis.
3. Recognize the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins that are either secreted by the cell, incorporated into the cell's plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle called the lysosome.
4. Identify the characteristics of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Unlike the rough ER, the smooth ER lacks ribosomes on its surface, which gives it a 'smooth' appearance.
5. Understand the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. It is involved in various metabolic processes, including lipid synthesis, detoxification of drugs and poisons, and storage of calcium ions, which are important for muscle contraction and other cellular processes.