Final answer:
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes on its surface, which makes it appear bumpy and is involved in protein synthesis, whereas the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is smooth as it lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, calcium storage, and detoxification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about the differences between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is that the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is studded with ribosomes, giving it a textured, bumpy appearance due to these protein-synthesizing organelles. In contrast, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes on its surface, resulting in a smoother appearance.
Functionally, the RER is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell's plasma membrane, or destined for lysosomes. The newly synthesized proteins are transported from the RER in transport vesicles that bud off from the ER. Also, the RER's membrane is continuous with the nuclear envelope, facilitating the transport of the mRNA. Meanwhile, the SER has various roles including lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, calcium ion storage, and detoxification of drugs and poisons.
It is important to note both RER and SER are essential to cell function, and they collaborate with each other and other cell structures, like the Golgi apparatus, to coordinate the synthesis and distribution of cellular products.