question_answer 75)

  Differentiate between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. How is endoplasmic reticulum important for membrane biogenesis?

Answer:

  The major differences between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum are

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum	Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
SER has no ribosomal particles on the surface, hence look smooth.   It helps in manufacturing of lipids and fat molecules.	RER has particles of ribosome on the surface, therefore are rough in texture. They are the sites of protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids (smooth endoplasmic reticulum) and proteins (rough endoplasmic reticulum) which are responsible for formation of membrane. Thus, they help in membrane biogenesis.