The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is a network of membranous tubules and flattened sacs studded with ribosomes. It is a key organelle involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins.
The RER has a characteristic rough appearance due to the presence of ribosomes on its surface. These ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. The RER is connected to the nuclear envelope and extends throughout the cytoplasm.
The primary function of the RER is to synthesize proteins. It plays a crucial role in the production of secretory and membrane proteins. As the newly synthesized proteins enter the lumen of the RER, they undergo post-translational modifications such as folding, glycosylation, and disulfide bond formation.