Final answer:
The claim that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is associated with ribosomes is false; it's the rough endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is associated with ribosomes is false. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is divided into two distinct forms: the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). The rough ER gets its name from the appearance given by the ribosomes attached to its surface. These ribosomes are sites where protein synthesis occurs.
In contrast, the smooth ER is not associated with ribosomes and is involved in various functions, such as synthesizing phospholipids and steroid hormones, regulating the concentration of cellular Ca2+, metabolizing some carbohydrates, and breaking down certain toxins.