ENDOMEMBRANE SYSTEM While each of the membranous organelle is distinct in terms of structure and function, many of these are constituted together as an endomembrane system because their functions are coordinated. The endomembrane system include the following components. 1. 2, 3. 4. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Golgi complex Lysosomes Vacuoles Since the functions of mitochondria, chloroplast and peroxisomes are not coordinated with the above components these are not considered as part of the endomembrane system. 1. Endoplasmic reticulum The term endoplasmic reticulum was first given by scientist Keith Porter (1953) to identify a fine reticulum or network present in the endoplasm of a cell. 1. It is a complex system of membranous sacs running through the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells except RBCs of mammals, eggs and embryonic cells. 2. It is an irregular network of membranous tubules forming a continuous sheet, enclosing a single internal space. 3. Endoplasmic reticulum occurs in three morphological forms (Fig. 8.27). (a) Cisternae — Elongated, flattened, sac-like unbranched structures. 40-50 um in diameter. Generally arranged parallel in bundles interconnected to each other. (b) Vesicles — Round, spherical, ovoid structures. 25-500 xm in diameter. Found dispersed in cytoplasm. Devoid of ribosomes. (c) Tubules +— Branched, irregular structures. 50-200 hm in diameter. l & Cisternae Ez Tubules Vesicles Fig. 8.26 Various morphological forms of endoplasmic reticulum 4, Endoplasmic reticulum is of two types (a) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) (b) Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)Ribosomes Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) luclear membrane smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) ‘Smooth endoplasmic reticulum Under electron Fig. 8.27 Types of endoplasmic reticulum (SER and RER) microscope Table 8.11: Differences between SER and RER ‘Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) ‘Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) (i) Has smooth membranesdevoid ofribosomes. | (i) Has rough, granular surface due to the presence of ribosomes. ii) Consists of mainly tubules and vesicles. (ii) Consists of cisternae and very few (iii) Does not participate actively in the synthesis tubules. of proteins. Associated with the synthesis of | (iii) Participate actively in the synthesis of steroid and lipids. proteins. (iv) Found in abundance in lipid and sterol secreting cells like liver cells, adipose cells, interstitial cells, leucocytes, adrenal cortex | (iv) Foundinabundance in protein secreting cells. Inmuscle cells, aspecialised form called cells like fibroblasts. sarcoplasmic reticulum is present. 5. Both SER and RER are interconnected, RER is continuous with the nuclear membrane and SER with Golgi complex and plasma membrane. Functions of endoplasmic reticulum 1. Gives mechanical support by forming a network in the cytoplasm. 2, Forms an intracellular transport system and helps by exchange of molecules from one part of cell to another. 3. Contains many enzymes and performs various metabolic activities, 4, SER synthesise lipids and steroids. 5. RER helps in the transport and synthesis of proteins. Some of the proteins and lipids synthesised by ER are used in the synthesis of new cellular parts while others function as enzymes, hormones, lysosomal and membrane proteins. 6. ER is associated with muscle contraction by release and uptake of calcium ions (Ca ions).