Describe the function of a
soft endoplasmic reticulum
rough endoplasmic reticulum
The function of the soft endoplasmic reticulum is to synthesize and modify lipids, mainly phospholipids and glycolipids, that are eventually spread throughout the cell's membrane. It also performs detoxification of harmful substances, such as drugs and alcohol, in the cell.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum, on the other hand, has ribosomes on its surface, which aid in protein synthesis. It acts as a transportation network for proteins synthesized by ribosomes, modifying them as needed with the help of enzymes. The rough ER is also responsible for the folding and modification of newly synthesized proteins that will later be secreted, such as hormones or enzymes.