Here's how it works:
* Rough ER: This portion of the ER is studded with ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis. As proteins are made, they enter the rough ER where they can be folded, modified, and packaged.
* Smooth ER: This part of the ER lacks ribosomes and focuses on lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
Proteins move through the ER in membrane-bound vesicles, small sacs that bud off from the ER and travel to other parts of the cell, including the Golgi apparatus.
Let me know if you have more questions about the ER or other organelles!
