Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

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Prepare for the Florida Biology EOC Test. Utilize interactive flashcards and challenging multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and insights. Gear up for success!

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What is the main role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Making and storing proteins
Detoxifying harmful substances
Storing food, water, and minerals
Containing enzymes for cellular reactions

The correct answer is: Making and storing proteins

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) plays a crucial role in the synthesis and processing of proteins. It is characterized by the presence of ribosomes on its surface, which give it a "rough" appearance. These ribosomes are the sites of protein translation, where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on the genetic instructions carried by mRNA. Once synthesized, proteins may undergo further modifications within the RER, such as folding and glycosylation, which are essential for their proper function and distribution. This gives the rough endoplasmic reticulum a primary function in both the making and initial processing of proteins, aligning with the response chosen. Other options correspond to different cellular functions: detoxification is largely managed by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles like the liver's peroxisomes; storage of food, water, and minerals pertains to structures like vacuoles; and enzymatic reactions can occur in various locations within the cell but are not specifically a function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.