AEMCA Practice Exam

What does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum do?

1. It is involved in ATP production

2. It synthesizes ribosomes

3. It controls the detoxification of the cell from harmful substances

4. It packages proteins for secretion

The correct answer is: It controls the detoxification of the cell from harmful substances

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) plays a crucial role in multiple cellular functions, one of which is the detoxification of harmful substances. It is equipped with enzymes that facilitate the metabolism of various toxins, drugs, and other metabolites, thereby reducing their potential harm to the cell. This detoxifying process is especially important in liver cells, where the SER is highly developed to manage the breakdown of various substances. In addition to detoxification, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is also involved in lipid synthesis, including phospholipids and cholesterol, and in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is associated with ribosomes for protein synthesis, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks these ribosomes and is more specialized in the aforementioned functions. This specialization allows the smooth endoplasmic reticulum to effectively manage and maintain cellular health by mitigating the effects of potentially harmful substances.