endoplasmic reticulum

noun

: a system of interconnected vesicular and lamellar cytoplasmic membranes that functions especially in the transport of materials within the cell and that is studded with ribosomes in some places see cell illustration

Examples of endoplasmic reticulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As the connexin grows longer, an additional protein (blue) helps insert it into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, the organelle in which this protein synthesis is taking place. Karen Hopkin, Scientific American, 1 May 2015 The Cell Painting assay uses six fluorescent dyes to reveal eight cellular components or organelles: the nucleus, the nucleoli, cytoplasmic RNA, the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria, the plasma (cell) membrane, the Golgi complex and the F-actin cytoskeleton. Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2021 Gerd Schröder-Turk, who studies biophotonic materials at Murdoch University in Australia, and his colleagues have shown when these scales are developing, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in the scale cells forms a sheet with fluid on either side, creating a double gyroid. Quanta Magazine, 21 June 2021 Gerd Schröder-Turk, who studies biophotonic materials at Murdoch University in Australia, and his colleagues have shown that when these scales are developing, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in the scale cells forms a sheet with fluid on either side, creating a double gyroid. Viviane Callier, The Atlantic, 20 June 2021 Two important organelles within cells are mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which produce energy and assemble proteins, respectively. Justin Quiles, The Conversation, 8 Feb. 2023 The idea to kill cancer cells by stressing out the endoplasmic reticulum isn’t new. Dallas News, 31 Oct. 2022 Changes in the code for one gene stood out: ERAP2, which encodes a protein called endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2. Byann Gibbons, science.org, 19 Oct. 2022 This could impact the size of the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endoplasmic reticulum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endoplasmic reticulum was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near endoplasmic reticulum

Cite this Entry

“Endoplasmic reticulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endoplasmic%20reticulum. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

endoplasmic reticulum

noun
en·​do·​plas·​mic reticulum
ˌen-də-ˈplaz-mik-
: a system of cavities and tiny connecting canals that occupy much of the cytoplasm of the cell and functions especially in the movement of materials within the cell

Medical Definition

endoplasmic reticulum

noun
: a system of interconnected vesicular and lamellar cytoplasmic membranes that functions especially in the transport of materials within the cell and that is studded with ribosomes in some places see rough endoplasmic reticulum

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