MCQ on Endoplasmic Reticulum
Cell Biology is considered to be the most important topic for any Life Science entrance examination. As it is one of the easiest topics, it is often ignored and undermined by many students. But if you want to get an edge over others, here is a tip, master MCQ on Endoplasmic Reticulum. As we know Cell Biology demands the attention of students in understanding Cells at the Molecular Level and concrete basic understanding but once done it only gets easier from there. Mastering the Below MCQ Questions on Endoplasmic Reticulum should boost your NEET entrance exam Preparation.
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Important Points to Remember about Endoplasmic Reticulum:
- The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of sac-like structures and tubes in the cytoplasm (gel-like fluid) of a cell. ER is the largest membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells.
- Porter and Thompson (1945) discovered Endoplasmic Reticulum. In 1953 Porter gave the name endoplasmic reticulum.
- The endoplasmic reticulum is of two types smooth endoplasmic reticulum or Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum. They have separate functions but work together to process protein molecules in the cell.
- The main difference between these two terminologies is that the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum is known for stocking lipids and proteins. It is not bounded by ribosomes. Whereas, the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is bounded by the ribosomes and also stores proteins.
- They are filled with fluids and carry materials throughout the cell which is also called the transport system of the cell. It transports materials between the regions of the cytoplasm or between the cytoplasm and nucleus.
- The endoplasmic reticulum performs a variety of essential cellular functions, including protein synthesis and processing, lipid synthesis, and calcium (Ca2 +) storage and release.
- In plants, ER enzymes and structural proteins are present which are involved in the process of oil body biogenesis and lipid storage, and protein storage.

MCQ on Endoplasmic Reticulum
1. Which of the following is the largest single membrane-bound intracellular compartment?
(a) Ribosome
(b) Golgi apparatus
(c) Nucleus
(d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d
Explanation: The endoplasmic reticulum is the largest membrane-bound organelle, forming a vast network within the cytoplasm.
2. Who discovered the endoplasmic reticulum?
(a) Porter and Thompson
(b) Robert Brown
(c) Robert Hooke
(d) Koshland
Answer: a
Explanation: Porter and Thompson discovered the ER in 1945 using electron microscopy.
3. Which are the components of endoplasmic reticulum__________
(a) Cisternae, tubules, and vesicles.
(b) Cisternae, chromatids and vacuoles
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: ER is composed of three structural elements: cisternae (flattened sacs), tubules, and vesicles.
4. Where is the endoplasmic reticulum located?
(a) Cytoplasm
(b) Inside Nucleus
(c) In Mitochondria
(d) None of these
Answer: a
Explanation: ER is present in the cytoplasm and continuous with the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope.
5. Which organelle consists of a network of membranous tubules?
(a) Ribosomes
(b) Mitochondria
(c) Endoplasmic reticulum
(d) Cytoplasm
Answer: c
Explanation: The ER is a network of interconnected membranous tubules and sacs.
6. Where in the cell does new membrane synthesis take place?
(a) Lysosome
(b) Mitochondria
(c) Endoplasmic reticulum
(d) Ribosomes
Answer: c
Explanation: New membrane phospholipids and proteins are synthesized in the ER.
7. Which of the following is a type of endoplasmic reticulum?
(a) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
(b) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(c) Both A and B.
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: ER exists in two forms—Rough ER (with ribosomes) and Smooth ER (without ribosomes).
8. Endoplasmic reticulum membrane which is attached to the Nuclear membrane is called_______
(a) ER lumen
(b) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
(c) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(d) Endosome
Answer: b
Explanation: Smooth ER often connects with the nuclear envelope, though RER is also continuous with the outer nuclear membrane. The answer follows the question key, but it’s typically RER.
9. Endoplasmic reticulum membrane which is associated with ribosomes is called_______
(a) ER lumen
(b) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
(c) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(d) Endosome
Answer: c
Explanation: RER is studded with ribosomes, giving it a rough appearance.
10. Functions of rough ER includes_________
(a) Protein synthesis
(b) membrane production
(c) detoxification of drugs
(d) both a and b
Answer: d
Explanation: RER synthesizes membrane-bound proteins and contributes to membrane biogenesis.
11. What is/are the functions of SER?
(a) Synthesis of lipids
(b) Carbohydrate metabolism
(c) Detoxification of drugs
(d) All of the above
Answer: d
Explanation: SER performs multiple functions, including lipid synthesis and detoxification.
12. Where detoxification of xenobiotic compounds occurs_____
(a) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
(b) Ribosomes
(c) Cytosol
(d) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d
Explanation: SER is rich in enzymes that detoxify harmful metabolic byproducts and drugs.
13. SER produces___________
(a) Nucleic acid
(b) Carbohydrate
(c) Protein
(d) Lipid
Answer: d
Explanation: SER synthesizes lipids, especially phospholipids and steroids.
14. Which molecules are synthesized by the enzymes of smooth ER?
(a) Fats
(b) Phospholipids
(c) Steroids
(d) All of the above
Answer: d
Explanation: SER is involved in the synthesis of all listed lipid-based molecules.
15. This is related to the glycosylation of protein________
(a) Lysosome
(b) Peroxisome
(c) Mitochondria
(d) ER
Answer: d
Explanation: Glycosylation of proteins begins in the RER and continues in the Golgi apparatus.
16. What is the function of the Glycosylation Process______
(a) helps in cell-cell adhesion
(b) Confer stability in proteins
(c) helps in the proper folding of the protein
(d) Synthesis of lipid membrane
Answer: b
Explanation: Glycosylation stabilizes proteins and helps in their sorting and transport.
17. Which of the following organelles has the function of storing intracellular calcium?
(a) Nucleolus
(b) Lysosome
(c) Golgi complex
(d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d
Explanation: The SER acts as a major reservoir of calcium ions in muscle and non-muscle cells.
18. This is a correctly matched pair________
(a) Lysosomes – involved in synthesizing amino acids
(b) Microsomes – take part in photosynthesis
(c) Centrosomes – Provides enzymes essential for digestion
(d) Endoplasmic reticulum – has a role in the formation of a new nuclear membrane while the cell divides
Answer: d
Explanation: During cell division, ER membranes help reform the nuclear envelope.
19. Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
(a) Protein synthesis
(b) Triglyceride production
(c) Ribosome production
(d) Macromolecule digestion
Answer: b
Explanation: SER synthesizes triglycerides, a type of lipid.
20. The main organelle involved in the modification and routing of newly synthesized proteins to their destinations is_________
(a) Endoplasmic reticulum
(b) Lysosome
(c) Mitochondria
(d) Chloroplast
Answer: a
Explanation: RER modifies and routes proteins to the Golgi and other destinations.
21. Which component/suborganelle vesicles from the rough endoplasmic reticulum containing nascent proteins is to be processed through the Golgi apparatus?
(a) Lumen
(b) Cis face
(c) Trans face
(d) Trans Golgi stack
Answer: b
Explanation: Vesicles from the RER enter the Golgi via its cis face for further processing.
22. Which of the following is attached to both karyotheca and plasma membrane?
(a) Golgi body
(b) Lysosome
(c) Food vacuole
(d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d
Explanation: ER is continuous with both the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane.
23. Select the correct matching in the following pairs.
(a) Rough ER – Synthesis of glycogen
(b) Rough ER – Oxidation of fatty acids
(c) Smooth ER – Oxidation of phospholipids
(d) Smooth ER – Synthesis of lipids
Answer: d
Explanation: SER is involved in lipid biosynthesis; other options are incorrect matchings.
24. Which of the following divides the intracellular space into two distinct compartments?
(a) Cell Membrane
(b) Plasma Membrane
(c) Endoplasmic reticulum
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: The ER creates internal compartments and maintains intracellular organization.
25. What is more abundant in smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
(a) Cisternae & vesicles
(b) Tubules
(c) Tubules and vesicles
(d) Cisternae
Answer: c
Explanation: In SER, tubules and vesicles dominate over flattened cisternae.
26. SER is mainly found in cells actively engaged in / SER is a site of
(a) Secretion activity
(b) Protein metabolism
(c) Lipid metabolism
(d) Catabolic activity
Answer: c
Explanation: SER is highly active in cells involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism.
27. Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum of an animal cell does not synthesize
(a) Cholesterol
(b) Phospholipid
(c) Saturated fatty acids
(d) Unsaturated fatty acids
Answer: c
Explanation: Saturated fatty acids are generally synthesized in the cytoplasm, not SER.
28. Which of the following is true about rough endoplasmic reticulum?
(a) It is studded with ribosomes that form a bumpy coat.
(b) It functions in lipid synthesis.
(c) It contains cellulose, which gives the membrane rigidity and structure.
(d) It lacks the ribosome characteristics of the cytosol.
Answer: a
Explanation: The ribosomes on RER give it a rough appearance and are involved in protein synthesis.
29. Select the correct statements.
(a) The endomembrane system includes plasma membrane, ER, Golgi complex, lysosomes, and vacuoles.
(b) ER helps in the transport of substances, and the synthesis of proteins, lipoproteins, and glycogen.
(c) Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
(d) Mitochondria helps in oxidative phosphorylation and generation of ATP.
(I) b, c and d are correct
(II) a alone is correct
(III) b alone is correct
(IV) c alone is correct
Answer: I
Explanation: Statements b, c, and d are accurate regarding their respective organelles and their functions.
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