Correct option is C
Explanation:
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves as a channel for the transport of materials between different regions of the cytoplasm and also between the nucleus and cytoplasm. It is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells and plays a crucial role in intracellular transport, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism.
The ER is of two types:
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) – Has ribosomes on its surface and is involved in protein synthesis and transport.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) – Lacks ribosomes and is responsible for lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
The network of ER membranes allows efficient movement of proteins and other molecules within the cell, facilitating communication between different cell compartments.
Information Booster:
The endoplasmic reticulum is an extensive membrane network that connects the nucleus to the plasma membrane.
Rough ER (RER) assists in protein synthesis with the help of ribosomes and transports newly formed proteins to the Golgi apparatus.
Smooth ER (SER) helps in the synthesis of lipids, steroid hormones, and detoxification of drugs in liver cells.
The ER is involved in intracellular signaling and calcium ion storage, which is essential for muscle contraction.
The ER contributes to the formation of the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles in a cell.
In muscle cells, the SER is called the sarcoplasmic reticulum and regulates calcium ion release for muscle contractions.
The ER plays a key role in the synthesis of membrane phospholipids, which are essential for maintaining cell membrane integrity.