Which organelle is involved in the detoxification of compounds and lipid synthesis?

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

Answer: (A)

Organelles have specialized roles, and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is where those roles include lipid synthesis and detoxification. It lacks ribosomes on its surface, so it isn’t involved in making proteins like the rough ER; instead, it hosts enzymes that build lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol, which are essential for cellular membranes and other lipid products. It also houses enzymes—especially the cytochrome P450 family—that help modify and detoxify drugs and harmful compounds, making them more water-soluble for excretion. In liver cells, this detoxification function is particularly prominent, reflecting the organelle’s key role in processing potentially harmful substances. The other organelles do not carry out these combined tasks: for example, the Golgi apparatus mainly modifies and ships proteins and lipids, mitochondria generate energy, and the nucleus stores genetic material.