In the video Understanding the Endoplasmic Reticulum: Rough vs Smooth ER and Protein Import, I look at the smooth and rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), and discuss how proteins are targeted to and imported into the ER.
The ER is a vital cellular structure with two types: rough ER (RER) and smooth ER (SER). The RER is covered in ribosomes and is essential for protein production. Proteins are synthesised and threaded into the ER lumen via a process involving signal recognition particles (SRP) and the Sec61 complex.
Membrane-spanning proteins are produced at the RER by using various signal sequences that direct their insertion into or through the membrane. The ER also plays a role in N-linked glycosylation, adding N-linked oligosaccharides to proteins and in quality control, ensuring proteins are correctly folded and functional.
In contrast, the SER lacks ribosomes, synthesises lipids, and forms vesicles for transporting proteins and lipids to the Golgi apparatus.
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