The Role of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Inside the cell, things are pretty straightforward. The nucleus sends out an signal saying

we need more proteins, so the Endoplasmic Reticulum gets involved. There are two kinds—Smooth ER and Rough ER.

The Smooth ER makes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances, which keeps the cell alive.

The Rough ER is covered in ribosomes, giving its name and rough exterior. It builds proteins,

folds them, and then sends them off to the Golgi Apparatus, who takes credit

for the delivery. Together, they keep the cell functioning. Without the endoplasmic

reticulum a cell could not maintain its structure, carry out its functions, or survive.