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Which organelle is responsible for the detoxification of harmful substances in the cell?
  • a)
    Nucleus
  • b)
    Ribosome
  • c)
    Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • d)
    Mitochondria
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which organelle is responsible for the detoxification of harmful subst...
The correct answer is option 'C': Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum.

The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) is an organelle responsible for the detoxification of harmful substances in the cell. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of lipids and steroids, metabolism of carbohydrates, and detoxification of drugs, toxins, and harmful substances.

Here is a detailed explanation of how the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum carries out detoxification in the cell:

1. Structure of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum:
- The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network of tubules and vesicles that is connected to the nuclear envelope.
- It lacks ribosomes on its surface, which gives it a smooth appearance under a microscope, hence the name "Smooth" Endoplasmic Reticulum.

2. Role in Detoxification:
- The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum contains enzymes called cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in detoxification processes.
- These enzymes play a key role in the metabolism and breakdown of various foreign substances, including drugs, toxins, and harmful chemicals.
- Cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze reactions that modify the chemical structure of foreign substances, making them more water-soluble and easier to eliminate from the body.
- This modification process, known as biotransformation or detoxification, makes the substances less toxic and facilitates their excretion.

3. Detoxification of Drugs:
- Drugs and medications are often foreign substances that need to be metabolized and eliminated from the body.
- The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum, with its cytochrome P450 enzymes, is responsible for the detoxification of many drugs.
- The enzymes break down drugs into smaller, more water-soluble molecules that can be easily excreted through urine or bile.

4. Detoxification of Toxins:
- Toxins, both natural and man-made, can enter the body through various routes, such as ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.
- The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum helps in detoxifying these toxins by modifying their chemical structure and increasing their solubility.
- The modified toxins can then be eliminated from the body through urine or bile.

In conclusion, the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum is responsible for the detoxification of harmful substances in the cell. Its cytochrome P450 enzymes play a vital role in metabolizing drugs, toxins, and other foreign substances, making them more water-soluble and facilitating their elimination from the body.
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Community Answer
Which organelle is responsible for the detoxification of harmful subst...
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in the detoxification of harmful substances, such as drugs and toxins, in the cell. It plays a crucial role in drug metabolism and detoxification processes.
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Which organelle is responsible for the detoxification of harmful substances in the cell?a)Nucleusb)Ribosomec)Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulumd)MitochondriaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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