Cells secrete proteins produced by ribosomes on rough ER
Polypeptide chain grows from a bound ribosome, its threaded into the ER lumen, and it folds into its native shape
Special molecules in ER membrane attach carbohydrates to proteins
ER membrane keeps secretory proteins separate from those produced by free ribosomes
Secretory proteins leave ER wrapped in membranes of vesicles that bud like bubbles in the transitional ER
Membrane factory for the cell, grows in place by adding membrane proteins and phospholipids to its own membrane
Produces its own membrane phospholipids
Membrane expands and is transferred in the form of transport vesicles to other parts of the endomembrane system