What determines the function of a cell's smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
A)its lipid content
B)its polynucleotide content
C)its carbohydrate content
D)its protein content
E)its age

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in several functions like lipid synthesis, detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism, and calcium storage. However, the main determining factor of SER's function is its protein content. Its protein composition is highly variable depending on the cell type and function. For instance, liver cells have abundant SER because of their detoxification function, while steroid-producing cells have SER involved in lipid metabolism. Therefore, the protein content of SER determines its involvement in different cell functions.

What Determines the Function of a Cell's Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum