What is the main difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

• A. Rough ER is involved in lipid synthesis, while smooth ER is involved in protein synthesis.
• B. Rough ER is responsible for detoxification, while smooth ER is responsible for energy production.
• C. Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface, while smooth ER does not.
• D. Rough ER is found only in animal cells, while smooth ER is found only in plant cells.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is an essential organelle in eukaryotic cells involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
2. Recognize that the rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER) is characterized by the presence of ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface, giving it a 'rough' appearance under a microscope.
3. Identify the primary function of the Rough ER, which is to synthesize proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell's plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle called the lysosome.
4. Understand that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER) lacks ribosomes on its surface, which gives it a 'smooth' appearance.
5. Recognize the functions of the Smooth ER, which include lipid synthesis, metabolism of carbohydrates, detoxification of drugs and poisons, and storage of calcium ions.