Endoplasmic Reticulum Kacy Gillette 3/17/14

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Was discovered in 1945 by Albert Claude in Belgium. Eukaryotic organelle that forms an interconnected network of tubules, vesicles and cisternae within cells. It flattens sacs that serve a variety of functions in the cell.

Cell Anatomy

Rough ER Synthesize proteins In certain white blood cells, the rough ER produces antibodies. In pancreatic cells the rough ER produces insulin.

Rough ER Cont. Within the cytoplasm of cells lies the endoplasmic reticulum . Ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum are called Rough ER. Protein is formed within the interior to the endoplasmic reticulum. These proteins are destined for secretion, storage, or incorporation into membranes. There main function is to separate proteins that stay from the ones that do not.

Smooth ER Smooth ER lacks attached ribosomes and appears more tubular than rough ER, where as the rough ER appeared as more of a maze. Smooth ER gives the cell the ability to perform a variety of specialized functions. Smooth ER functions in the synthesis of lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification.

ER Cell Structure

The Golgi Apparatus The Golgi is composed of flattened fluid-filled sacs that controls the flow of molecules in a cell. This is also the case of protein. Carbohydrates are added to the protein to complete its production. Proteins made within the rough ER bud off in vesicles and are transported to the Golgi where the vesicles fuse with the membrane and the components are further modified. This finished product, glycoprotein, is taken from the Golgi apparatus and is transported by a vesicle of the cell membrane.

The Golgi Apparatus

Associated Diseases Research has made it clear that the accumulation of misfolded proteins contributes to a number of neurodegenerative, immune, and endocrine pathologies, as well as other age-related illnesses. Research focuses on the possibility that the buildup of misfolded proteins can also contribute to vascular and cardiac diseases. However, evidence that supports this research is correlative evidence, which is flawed as it is unwise to assume that correlation always implies causation.

Associated Diseases When glucose levels become excessive, an ER stress response is initiated. This response is thought to suppress insulin. This down regulation of insulin is characteristic in type two diabetes. Correlative evidence shows that ER stress markers are present in deceased persons that suffered from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.