Consider the following statements regarding the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER): 1. It has ribosomes attached to its surface. 2. It is involved in the synthesis of fat molecules or lipids. 3. It helps in building the cell membrane through lipid synthesis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a large network of membrane-bound tubes and sheets. It is classified into two types based on the presence or absence of ribosomes on its surface: Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER). These organelles play distinct roles in cellular synthesis and transport. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) does not have ribosomes attached to its surface; this gives it a "smooth" appearance under a microscope. It is the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) that has ribosomes attached to its surface, which gives it a rough texture. - Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the SER is the manufacture of fat molecules, or lipids, which are essential for cell function. In contrast, the RER is primarily involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes. - Statement 3 is Correct. The lipids synthesized by the SER, along with proteins synthesized by the RER, are used to build the cell membrane. This process of building the cell membrane using synthesized lipids and proteins is known as membrane biogenesis. Key Takeaway Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes and is responsible for lipid synthesis and detoxification of poisons (in liver cells). Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) possesses ribosomes and is responsible for protein synthesis.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

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Consider the following statements regarding the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER):

It has ribosomes attached to its surface.
It is involved in the synthesis of fat molecules or lipids.
It helps in building the cell membrane through lipid synthesis.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a large network of membrane-bound tubes and sheets. It is classified into two types based on the presence or absence of ribosomes on its surface: Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER). These organelles play distinct roles in cellular synthesis and transport.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) does not have ribosomes attached to its surface; this gives it a "smooth" appearance under a microscope. It is the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) that has ribosomes attached to its surface, which gives it a rough texture.
Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the SER is the manufacture of fat molecules, or lipids, which are essential for cell function. In contrast, the RER is primarily involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes.
Statement 3 is Correct. The lipids synthesized by the SER, along with proteins synthesized by the RER, are used to build the cell membrane. This process of building the cell membrane using synthesized lipids and proteins is known as membrane biogenesis.

Key Takeaway

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes and is responsible for lipid synthesis and detoxification of poisons (in liver cells). Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) possesses ribosomes and is responsible for protein synthesis.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

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With reference to osmosis, consider the following statements: 1. Osmosis is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. 2. If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it is likely to shrink. 3. Water molecules pass across the membrane in only one direction during osmosis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Which of the following phenomena is most likely to occur?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) does not have ribosomes attached to its surface; this gives it a "smooth" appearance under a microscope. It is the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) that has ribosomes attached to its surface, which gives it a rough texture.
Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the SER is the manufacture of fat molecules, or lipids, which are essential for cell function. In contrast, the RER is primarily involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes.
Statement 3 is Correct. The lipids synthesized by the SER, along with proteins synthesized by the RER, are used to build the cell membrane. This process of building the cell membrane using synthesized lipids and proteins is known as membrane biogenesis.