Which organelle is primarily involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification and lacks ribosomes on its surface?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Golgi apparatus
• C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Mitochondria

Answer: (C)

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the site where lipids are synthesized and where detoxification of drugs and toxins occurs; its surface looks smooth because it lacks ribosomes. This absence of ribosomes fits its lipid-focused tasks rather than protein production. In contrast, rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes and specializes in making proteins destined for secretion or membranes. The nucleus houses genetic material and transcription machinery, not lipid synthesis. Mitochondria generate ATP and have their own ribosomes, but they aren’t the main site of lipid production or detoxification. The Golgi apparatus processes and packages lipids and proteins after synthesis. Therefore, this organelle described is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.