Abstract
Lacking attached ribosomes, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) forms a complex membranous system that is linked to various cellular functions. The main SER tasks include synthesis of lipids, maintenance of calcium homeostasis and detoxification reactions necessary for the conversion of harmful water-insoluble substances into water-soluble compounds that are more suitable for excretion through the kidney. Specialised SER regions are the membraneous networks and the terminal cisterns of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (cf. Fig. 150). Though continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (see inset), the SER is organised in a different way. The differences are perfectly discernible in hepatocytes as shown in the detail presentation at the opposite page.
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Pavelka, M., Roth, J. (2010). Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum. In: Functional Ultrastructure. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99390-3_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99390-3_23
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
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