AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Adrenal cortex cells spend much of their synthetic capacity building steroid hormones from cholesterol. Which organelle should electron micrographs show in unusual abundance in these cells?

A.Lysosomes, which stockpile finished hormones until a signal triggers release.
B.Rough ER, because hormones are short proteins assembled by its attached ribosomes.
C.Central vacuoles, which inflate with hormone solution to force secretion by pressure.
D.Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation

Core Concept

Smooth ER enzymes handle the lipid chemistry of steroid construction. Steroid-secreting tissue packs extensive smooth ER tubules for exactly this workload. Cells exporting proteins instead show abundant rough ER studded with ribosomes. Membrane abundance tracks product type rather than organelle importance.

Correct Answer

DSmooth endoplasmic reticulum

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