Dr. Gillaspy has taught health science at University of Phoenix and Ashford University and has a degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Lesson for Kids: Definition & Function
What Is Endoplasmic Reticulum?
Scientists refer to cells as the basic building blocks of life because they are found in every plant and animal. But cells are so much more than simple blocks that can be snapped together to make a flower, a dog or you.
Inside the cells of plants and animals are complex structures called organelles. Organelles are tiny living factories that provide the needs for the cell. The endoplasmic reticulum is a type of organelle. It's a collection of tubes that make, package, and transport proteins and fats.
The endoplasmic reticulum is a team player. It works with other organelles, including ribosomes, the Golgi apparatus and the nucleus. Each of these team players is important to the creation and transportation of proteins and fats within the cell. By the end of this lesson, you'll understand why the endoplasmic reticulum is one of the stars of the team!

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Yes! Keep playing.Types of Endoplasmic Reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is like two factories in one. There's rough endoplasmic reticulum, or rough ER, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, or smooth ER.
Rough ER
Rough ER gets its name because it's covered in ribosomes, which look like little bumps. Ribosomes are organelles that make proteins. When the ribosomes on the rough ER make enough protein, the protein is packed up by the endoplasmic reticulum and placed in sacs called vesicles. These vesicles can carry protein around the cell to structures that need it. The vesicles often carry the protein to the Golgi apparatus, where the protein can be used in different ways.
Rough ER works closely with the nucleus of the cell. Its surface connects with the membrane that surrounds the cell nucleus. This close relationship allows for the easy movement of molecules that help with protein production.
Smooth ER
Smooth ER doesn't have ribosomes, so its surface looks smooth. Since there are no protein-making ribosomes stuck to smooth ER, we don't see as much protein being made here. Instead, smooth ER helps make lipids, which are fats.
Some of these lipids help make the protective membrane that surrounds the cell. Steroids are a type of lipid made by the smooth ER. You might have heard of steroids before - professional athletes aren't allowed to use man-made steroids because they make muscles grow unusually big, giving the athlete an unfair advantage. It might surprise you to know that natural steroids are inside your body right now! Natural steroids help your body and are used to make certain hormones.
Smooth ER has another interesting job. It helps detoxify drugs and alcohol. Detoxification, which is the process of removing toxins, is an important function of your liver, so liver cells have a lot of smooth ER.
Lesson Summary
Endoplasmic reticulum is a collection of tubes that make, package, and transport proteins and fats. Rough endoplasmic reticulum has protein-making ribosomes on its surface, so it helps make and process proteins. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum helps make and process lipids and helps detoxify drugs and alcohol.
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BackEndoplasmic Reticulum Lesson for Kids: Definition & Function
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