What components make up the endomembrane system?

The endomembrane system is a complex network of membranes within a cell that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that encloses the nucleus and contains nuclear pores that regulate the passage of molecules in and out. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is connected to the nuclear envelope and comes in two forms: rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes. Together, the nuclear envelope and the endoplasmic reticulum play crucial roles in cellular function, making them integral components of the endomembrane system.

Other choices contain components that are either not part of the endomembrane system or include elements that do not function in a similar interconnected way. The cell membrane and cytoplasm are fundamental to the cell but do not comprise the endomembrane system. While the Golgi apparatus is a part of the endomembrane system, ribosomes are not considered part of this system as they are not membrane-bound. Lastly, mitochondria are involved in energy production and lysosomes serve in cellular digestion but do not make up the endomembrane system either