Endoplasmic Reticulum

Explore protein, lipid, detoxification and calcium functions.

Choose an ER function

Learning mode

Functional stages

ER conditions

Ribosome density75%
Chaperone capacity80%
ATP availability90%
ER calcium store85%
Substrate load50%
Simulation speed1×

Live ER data

Processing efficiency0%
Completed products0
Misfolded load0%
Calcium released0%
Tap an ER structure for a microscopic view.

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Narrated ER lesson

Chapters

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish rough ER sheets from smooth ER tubules.
  • Trace a secreted protein from ribosome to ER lumen and transport vesicle.
  • Explain protein folding, quality control and the unfolded protein response.
  • Describe lipid synthesis, detoxification and calcium storage.

Key concepts

  • Rough ER carries membrane-bound ribosomes.
  • Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and helps detoxify chemicals.
  • Chaperones assist folding; badly folded proteins are exported for degradation.
  • ER calcium release participates in cell signalling and muscle contraction.

Suggested experiments

  • Increase substrate load while lowering chaperone capacity.
  • Remove ribosomes during secretory-protein production.
  • Raise toxin load and observe smooth ER processing.
  • Trigger calcium release with low ATP.

Knowledge check

Score: 0 / 7