Manufacturing Proteins

Last updated 7 months ago
5 questions
Ribosomes
One of the functions of a cell is to produce proteins. The organelles that help manufacture proteins are called ribosomes. Ribosomes are made of two components-RNA and protein-and are not bound by a membrane like other organelles are. The nucleolus is the side of ribosome production.
Cells have many ribosomes that produce a variety of proteins that are used by the cell or are moved out and used by other cells. Some ribosomes float freely in the cytoplasm, while others are bound to another organelle called the endoplasmic reticulum. Free-floating ribosomes produce proteins for use within the cytoplasm of the cell. Bound ribosomes produce proteins that will be bound within membranes or used by other cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum, also called ER, is a membrane system of folded sacs and interconnected channels that serves as the site of protein and lipid synthesis. The pleats and folds of the ER provide a large amount of surface area where cellular functions can take place.

Rough ER
The area of the ER where ribosomes are attached is called the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Notice that the rough ER appears to have bumps on it. These bumps are the attached ribosomes that will produce proteins to export to other cells.

Smooth ER
There are areas of the ER that do not have ribosomes attached. The area of the ER where no ribosomes are attached is called smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Although the smooth ER has no ribosomes, it does perform important functions for the cell. For example, the smooth ER provides a membrane surface where a variety of complex carbohydrates and lipids, including phospholipids, are synthesized. Smooth ER in the liver detoxifies harmful substances.
1

Which organelle has rough and smooth types?

1
A __________ is an organelle that is the site of protein synthesis. It is usually located on the __________, but can also be found in the __________.
1

What is the function of the smooth ER?

1

Which organelle has ribosomes attached to its surface?

1

Which organelle synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances?