Q: What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

A: The endoplasmic reticulum is a cellular organelle that serves as the transport network for molecules going to specific places in eukaryote cells.

Q: What are the two forms of endoplasmic reticulum?

A: The two forms of endoplasmic reticulum are rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER).

Q: What is the function of rough endoplasmic reticulum?

A: Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is studded with ribosomes and secretes proteins into the cytoplasm.

Q: What is the function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

A: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) produces proteins and steroids, maintains plasma membranes, and provides a pathway for molecules to move along.

Q: What is the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

A: The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a type of cytoplasmic network found only in muscle cells that stores and pumps calcium ions.

Q: What is the Golgi apparatus?

A: The Golgi apparatus is a plate-like cytoplasmic network similar to the endoplasmic reticulum that processes and packages proteins and lipids.

Q: When were the lacey membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum first seen?

A: The lacey membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum were first seen in 1945 by scientists using an electron microscope.