Question

what would happen to a cell that lacked smooth endoplasmic reticulum? (1 point)
○ its cell membrane would be impermeable.
○ it would not be able to make lipids.
○ it would not be able to replicate dna.
○ it would not be able to produce trna.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER): SER is mainly responsible for lipid synthesis, detoxification, and carbohydrate metabolism in cells.
2. Evaluate each option:

• Option 1: Cell membrane permeability is related to membrane structure and transport proteins, not directly to SER. So this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Since SER is involved in lipid synthesis, a cell lacking SER would not be able to make lipids. This is correct.
• Option 3: DNA replication is mainly related to enzymes like DNA polymerase and occurs in the nucleus (and cytoplasm for some organelles), not related to SER. So this is incorrect.
• Option 4: tRNA production is related to transcription in the nucleus (and processing), not related to SER. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. It would not be able to make lipids.