Rough Endoplasmic Reticula

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

the cell's "membrane factory." a series of connected flattened sacs that have many ribosomes (responsible for protein production via translation) on their outer surface. Rough endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes and secretes serum proteins (such asalbumin) in the liver, and hormones (such as insulin) and other substances (such as milk) in the glands.

Functions:

Protein Synthesis
the ribosomes on the RER are synthesizing protein by definition, meaning that ribosomes do not exist in the cell unless they are synthesizing protein from an mRNA template.

Protein Folding
It is in the lumen of the rough ER that proteins are folded to produce the highly important biochemical architecture which will provide 'lock and key' and other recognition and linking sites.

Protein Transport

to transport these ready proteins to the sites where they are required. They may also be sent to the Golgi bodies for further advanced processing, through vesicles.

Protein Quality Check

Every protein created in the RER lumen is subjected to a thorough quality evaluation. The protein is checked for correct ordering and structure and if it doesn't match the exact requirement, it's simply rejected, stored in the lumen and sent back for recycling.

Thus the rough endoplasmic reticulum is a very important part of cell metabolism, playing a major role in the functioning of every different cell tissue. The functioning of this organelle is testimony to how orderly and self-organized our inner body structure is.

STRUCTURE

STRUCTURE

Studded with protein-producing ribosomes giving it a "rough" appearance, hence its name. Contains ribosomes on its surface, small circular structures that control protein synthesis. Branches out and expands as protein synthesis increases, providing more surface area for ribosomes to spread out and create more proteins.