Question

"Which organelle functions as a highway of sorts, with transport as its primary function? Choose all that apply from the following options:

a) Smooth ER
b) Rough ER
c) Cell membrane
d) Golgi apparatus"

Answer 1

The correct organelles that function as highways for transport within the cell are the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum (SER and RER) and the Golgi apparatus. They are involved in the synthesis, modification, and transportation of proteins and lipids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organelles such as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and Golgi apparatus function as highways in the cell, facilitating the transport of molecules. However, the cell membrane is not primarily for internal transport, it regulates the entry and exit of substances.

The Rough ER is covered with ribosomes and is primarily involved in protein synthesis and modification. These proteins are then transported in vesicles to the Golgi apparatus, which acts much like a post office, modifying, sorting, and packaging these proteins for delivery to their proper destination. Unlike the Rough ER, the Smooth ER is not involved in protein synthesis; it is associated with lipid synthesis, calcium ion storage, and drug detoxification, and also plays a role in transport within the cell.