Endoplasmic reticulum
- Pronunciation
- /en-doh-plas-mik re-tik-yuh-luhm/
- Category
- Cell Biology
- Singular
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Plural
- Endoplasmic reticula
Definition
A network of interconnected membranous sacs and tubules found in eukaryotic cells, involved in the synthesis, folding, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.
Etymology
From Greek 'endo-', meaning 'within', 'plasma', meaning 'something formed or molded', and 'reticulum', meaning 'net'.
Example
The endoplasmic reticulum plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and folding.
Related Terms
- Protein synthesis
- Lipid synthesis
- Golgi apparatus