TeXes Science Practice Test

What is the membrane network responsible for synthesizing lipids and carbohydrates called?

1. Rough endoplasmic reticulum

2. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

3. Golgi apparatus

4. Lysosome

The correct answer is: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

The membrane network responsible for synthesizing lipids and carbohydrates is known as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). This organelle plays a crucial role in the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids and cholesterol, which are essential for cell membrane formation. Additionally, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and detoxification processes within the cell. Unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is studded with ribosomes and primarily involved in protein synthesis, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks these ribosomes and focuses on lipid and carbohydrate synthesis, making it integral to various metabolic pathways. The Golgi apparatus, while significant in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles, does not primarily synthesize these molecules. Lysosomes are involved in waste processing and digestion within the cell, but they do not play a role in the synthesis of lipids and carbohydrates.