Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following has ribosomes attached to its surface?

1. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

2. Rough endoplasmic reticulum

3. Golgi apparatus

4. Nucleus

The correct answer is: Rough endoplasmic reticulum

The presence of ribosomes on the surface is a distinguishing characteristic of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, and their attachment to the rough endoplasmic reticulum allows for the immediate translation and processing of proteins destined for export or for use in the cell membrane. This structural feature gives the rough endoplasmic reticulum its 'rough' appearance when viewed under a microscope. In contrast, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks ribosomes on its surface and is primarily involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids but does not have ribosomes attached to it. The nucleus houses genetic material and is involved in the regulation of gene expression, but it does not have ribosomes on its surface either. Thus, the presence of ribosomes exclusively defines the rough endoplasmic reticulum in this context.