The smooth ER

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is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that lacks ribosomes on its surface, giving it a smooth appearance under the microscope. It is involved in various functions, including lipid synthesis, detoxification of drugs and foreign substances, and calcium storage. The smooth ER also plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of steroid hormones. It works closely with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) to help regulate cellular processes and maintain homeostasis in the cell.