endomembranous

Endomembranous system is a network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It includes the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, and vesicles. The ER is a continuous membrane system that serves as a site for protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. It is further divided into rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes, and smooth ER, which lacks ribosomes. The Golgi apparatus is a stack of flattened membranous sacs that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or intracellular transport. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. Vacuoles are large, fluid-filled sacs that store water, nutrients, and waste products. Vesicles are small, membrane-bound sacs that transport molecules between different parts of the cell. The endomembranous system is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and facilitating communication between different cellular compartments.