You do not consume alcoholic beverages, but your friend does, and he consumes these drinks regularly and in large amounts, If we could examine your liver cells and compare with your friend, would we see a difference in smooth ER and peroxisomes?
- Yes, there would be a noticeable difference between peroxisomes and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Upon studying unit I, we was able to know that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum has a function that inactivates or detoxifies drugs. While the peroxisomes do its role to destroy harmful substances such as alcohol and other chemicals. Thus, when alcohol intake increases, the structure of his or her cell will definitely change. Probably, the liver cells of my friend are swollen and irregular in shape because his/her smooth ER and peroxisomes are likely overworked which may cause damage to the aforementioned organelles and dysfunction in other major organs of his/her body. On the other hand, my liver cells are healthy because my smooth ER and peroxisomes are in great condition to carry out their functions. Therefore, I conclude that my liver cells are in better shape and healthier than my friend.