# Explain how the structure of a pancreatic acinar cell is adapted for the secretion of digestive enzymes.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — B2.3 Cell specialisation · Explain · 4 marks

> Pancreatic acinar cells produce and secrete large quantities of digestive enzymes into the pancreatic duct, which delivers them to the small intestine.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) for synthesis of (digestive) enzymes / proteins
2. Well-developed Golgi apparatus for processing / packaging / modifying enzymes into vesicles for secretion
3. Numerous zymogen (secretory) granules store enzyme precursors near the apical membrane ready for release by exocytosis
4. Large numbers of mitochondria supply ATP to power the energy-demanding processes of synthesis / vesicle transport / exocytosis

## Key terms

- [pancreatic acinar cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pancreatic-acinar-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-structure-of-a-92ef610a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.