Which structure in a cell is known for detoxifying harmful substances?

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances within the cell. This organelle is involved in various metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. One of the key functions of the SER is to convert harmful byproducts of metabolism into less toxic compounds, which can then be excreted from the cell or converted into forms that the body can safely use. The presence of enzymes in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum facilitates this detoxification process.

In contrast, the nucleus primarily functions as the control center of the cell, housing genetic material and coordinating activities such as gene expression and cell division. Centrioles are involved in cell division, specifically in the formation of spindle fibers that separate chromosomes, and do not have a role in detoxification. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA into proteins, but they do not engage in detoxifying activities. Thus, the unique functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum make it the central structure for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell.