What is Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)?

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) which consists of ribosomes on its surface is known as the rough
endoplasmic reticulum. So it is also called the granular endoplasmic reticulum.

 Translocon is the binding site of the ribosome on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

 These ribosomes look like studs and they can distinguish the organelle from the smooth sections
of the ER.

 Proteins are synthesized from amino acids. It is with the aid ribosome.

 Ribosomes consist of four RNA molecules.

 The attachment of ribosomes over the surface of RER through two types of glycoproteins. They
are:

 Riboprotein I (6500 daltons) and Riboprotein II (6400 daltons).

 RER consists of more cisternae and fewer tubules and vesicles.

 Near the nucleus, it is more abundant where it is connected with its outer membrane.

 RER is basophilic.

 So, it is also called ergastoplasm by Garnier, 1897.

 RER is present in the cells which are involved in the active transport of protein as well as in the
synthesis of enzymes. It includes:

 Acinar cells of the pancreas

 Plasma cells

 Goblet cells

 Cells of endocrine glands

 In conjunction with the Golgi complex, RER helps in the formation of primary lysosomes.

 It involves the synthesis, folding, and modification of proteins. 

 It includes those cells which need to be transported to different cellular organelles in the cell. 

 It is involved in the response of the cell to unfolded protein.

  It plays a role in the induction of apoptosis. 

 It is due to the close interaction with mitochondria.

 Polysomes are strings of ribosomes that synthesize the proteins.

 Morphology also aids in the identification. Its structure is often convoluted and flattened which
seems like the sac.
 It originates in proximity to the nucleus.

 RER has the membrane in association with the outer nuclear membrane. 

 It forms large membrane sheets which are double.

 It is best studied within the secretory cells specialized in these functions.