Granular endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomal granules.

Agranular endoplasmic reticulum

Definition noun (cell biology) (A part of) endoplasmic reticulum that is lacking in ribosomal granules.

Endoplasmic reticulum
Definition noun (Science: Cell Biology) (1) A membrane-bounded organelle that occurs as labyrinthine, interconnected flattenedsacs or tubules that is connected to the nuclear membrane, runs through the cytoplasm, and may well extend into the cell membrane. (2) One of the three components of the GERL system, in which the Golgi apparatus and the lysosomes are the other components. Supplement There are two kinds of ER: the RER, or the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the SER, or the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The RER bears many ribosomes on its outer surface giving it a rough appearance; hence, its name. Since RER has ribosomes attached to its surface it is therefore involved in protein synthesis and secretion. It synthesizes and secretes serum proteins (such as albumin) in the liver, andhormones (such as insulin) and other substances (such as milk) in the glands. The SER, on the other hand, does not have ribosomes on its surface. Its functions include synthesis of lipids, metabolism of carbohydrates andcalcium concentration, drug detoxification, and attachment of receptors on cell membrane proteins. It is also involved in intracellular transport, such as the transport of the products of the RER to other cell parts like Golgi apparatus. Word origin: from the Greek endon, meaning within, plasma, meaning anything formed or moulded, and Latin reticulum, meaning a small net. Related forms: ER (acronym).

Ribosome
Definition noun, plural: ribosomes (Science: cell biology) (1) A minute particle composed of protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) that serves as the site of protein synthesis. (2) A molecule consisting of two subunits that fit together and work as one to buildproteins according to the genetic sequence held within the messenger RNA (mRNA). Using the mRNA as a template, the ribosome traverses each codon, pairing it with the appropriate amino acid. This is done through interacting with transfer RNA (tRNA) containing a complementary anticodon on one end and the appropriate amino acid on the other. (3) A sphere-shaped structure found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Some ribosomes occur freely in the cytosol whereas others are attached to the nuclear membrane or to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) giving the latter a rough appearance, hence, the name rough ER or rER. Supplement Ribosomes of prokaryotes (e.g. bacteria) are smaller than most of the ribosomes of eukaryotes (e.g. plants and animals). However, the plastids andmitochondria in eukaryotes have smaller ribosomes similar to those in prokaryotes a possible indication of the evolutionary origin of theseorganelles.

In mid-1950s, ribosomes were first observed as dense particles or granules by George Palade with his electron microscope. In 1958, the term ribosome was proposed by the scientist, Richard B. Roberts. Word origin: from ribonucleic acid and Greek: soma, meaning body.