Final answer:
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is essential for protein synthesis and is characterized by ribosomes on its surface, giving it a 'rough' appearance. Distinct from the SER, RER works with the Golgi apparatus to transport proteins to proper destinations in the cell, which can be visualized using specific histological staining techniques, adding to our understanding of cellular structure and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) plays a crucial role in the synthesis and transport of proteins within the cell. Identifying RER involves microscopic techniques that incorporate histological staining, enhancing the contrast between different components of cells, such as neurons. Notably, Camillo Golgi, an early neurobiologist, contributed to this field by developing a staining method that allowed the Golgi bodies (Golgi vesicles) to be observed, earning him and Santiago Ramón y Cajal the Nobel Prize in 1906.
RER is characterized by the ribosomes attached to its surface, imparting a 'rough' texture viewable under an electron microscope. These ribosomes synthesize proteins destined for various parts of the cell or for secretion. The RER also collaborates with the Golgi apparatus to ensure these proteins reach their correct locations. It is distinct from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), which lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, calcium storage, and detoxification. Together, these two forms of ER contribute to essential cellular functions.