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Question 530
Biochemistry → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
A cell specialised for steroid production also requires intracellular calcium handling and detoxification. Which organelle is most closely associated with this combination of functions?
Question Stem
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Options
A
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
C
Golgi apparatus
D
Primary lysosome
E
Nucleolus
Explanation
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is associated with synthesis of lipids and steroids, metabolism, calcium handling and detoxification. These functions distinguish it from rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is principally associated with protein synthesis.
Option Validity
B) Rough endoplasmic reticulum is principally associated with protein synthesis rather than this combination of steroid synthesis, calcium handling and detoxification.
C) The Golgi apparatus principally processes, packages, labels and delivers proteins and lipids.
D) Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular degradation.
E) The nucleolus is a nuclear structure and does not perform this combination of smooth-endoplasmic-reticulum functions.
Further Reading
Richa Saxena. Textbook for MRCOG-1: Basic Sciences in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Biochemistry and Nutrition — Biochemistry — Smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Printed page 125.