The rough endoplasmic reticulum is most abundant in cells specialized for protein secretion, whereas smooth endoplasmic reticulum is abundant in cells that specialize in lipid metabolism.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes attached to its surface, which are involved in protein synthesis and modification. Therefore, cells that are specialized in protein secretion such as pancreatic cells or cells of the digestive tract have a large amount of RER. On the other hand, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in lipid metabolism, including the synthesis of fatty acids, phospholipids, and steroids. Cells that specialize in lipid metabolism such as liver cells and adipose cells have a large amount of SER.

The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Is Most Abundant in Cells Specialized