What is the primary function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?Protein synthesisLipid synthesis and metabolismRibosome attachmentATP production

The primary function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is lipid synthesis and metabolism. Unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is studded with ribosomes and primarily involved in protein synthesis, the SER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids and cholesterol, which are essential for membrane formation and other cellular functions. Additionally, the smooth ER is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, detoxification of drugs and poisons, and storage of calcium ions. It plays a crucial role in synthesizing hormones and other lipid-based molecules, making it vital for various physiological processes within the cell.