logo
AAT Bioquest

What is the difference between rough and smooth ER?

Posted August 25, 2021


Answer

Although the rough and smooth ER form part of the same organelle, there are several differences between the two.

Basis For ComparisonRough ERSmooth ER
AppearanceHas a rough membrane surfaceHas a smooth membrane surface
Has ribosomes attached to the membrane surfaceYesNo
StructureFormed mainly of cisternae and few tubulesFormed mainly of tubules and vesicles
Presence of poresPossesses narrow pores below the ribosomes facilitating the passage of synthesized polypeptides into ER channels.Pores are absent. Materials synthesized by SER do not pass into its channels.
LocationOften internal. Connected with nuclear envelope.Often peripheral. May be connected with plasma lemma.
Presence of RibophorinsContains Ribophorins that facilitate the attachment to ribosomes.Ribophorins are absent.
Has enzymes for detoxificationNoYes
FunctionsProtein synthesis, folding and sorting; formation of lysosomesSynthesis of lipids, glycogen, and steroid hormones; storage and release of calcium ions
OccurrenceFound in abundance in cells involved in protein synthesis e.g. liver cells, plasma cells, pancreatic cells, and goblet cellsFound in abundance in cells involved in lipid metabolism e.g. adipose cells, muscle cells, retinal cells, interstitial cells, leucocytes, and glycogen storing cells of the liver

 

Additional resources

Multifunctional Roles for the Protein Translocation Machinery in RNA Anchoring to the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Cell Navigator™ Live Cell Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Staining Kit *Blue Fluorescence*