• Question: What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

    Asked by sophiethornton to Keith, Heather, Elaine, Derek, Bimpe on 20 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Heather Eyre

      Heather Eyre answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      It doesn’t make proteins – that’s the job of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, instead it can act as a store for calcium ions (Ca++) which are really important signals inside cells.

      It’s also important for making lipids (fats) like cholesterol which are important for making cell membranes.

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