explain the function and structure of the endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes found in cells that helps with protein production and transport. It can be thought of as a sort of cellular highway, with ribosomes (protein-making machines) attached to its surface. There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum – rough ER, which has ribosomes and is involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which does not have ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. A verifiable fact: The endoplasmic reticulum makes up about half of the total membrane in a cell. An analogy: Think of the endoplasmic reticulum as a factory within a cell, where proteins and lipids are made and sent to different parts of the cell. Example: Just like how a factory worker moves products along a conveyor belt, the endoplasmic reticulum moves proteins and lipids to where they are needed in the cell.