Endoplasmic Reticulum

Do tiny structural differences matter?

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is found inside all eukaryotic cells. It is an independent storage and transport system of the cell, consisting of a network of interconnected membrane tubes. The spaces inside the tubes are called cisternae. The membranes separates the contents of the ER from the contents of the cytosol. Its main function is to operate as a transport system. There are two types of ER, smooth ER and rough ER. Please click on the tab set below to explore both the types of endoplasmic reticulum.

Hover over here to have a quick review of structure and function of the types of endoplamsmic reticulum.

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