Which of the following describes a function of the endoplasmic reticulum within a cell?

• A. Production of ATP through cellular respiration
• B. Replication of DNA during cell division
• C. Synthesis of proteins destined for secretion
• D. Degradation of damaged organelles

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a cell. The ER is an organelle that plays a crucial role in the synthesis and processing of proteins and lipids.
2. Differentiate between the two types of ER: rough ER and smooth ER. The rough ER is studded with ribosomes and is primarily involved in protein synthesis, while the smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.
3. Recognize that the rough ER is responsible for the synthesis of proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell's plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle called the lysosome.
4. Eliminate the incorrect options by matching the functions to the correct organelles: ATP production occurs in mitochondria, DNA replication occurs in the nucleus, and degradation of damaged organelles is a function of lysosomes.
5. Conclude that the correct function of the endoplasmic reticulum, specifically the rough ER, is the synthesis of proteins destined for secretion.