The Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that modifies, packages, and ships molecules. It is composed of cisternae and uses vesicles for storage and transport. It plays a vital role in modifying proteins and producing lysosomes. It is absent in prokaryotes.
The Golgi apparatus is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells, which are cells that contain internal structures. It is commonly regarded as the packing and processing center of the cell. Cells make many different molecules, such as lipids and proteins. After being produced, they are sent to the Golgi apparatus where they are modified, packaged and shipped. The Golgi apparatus is commonly compared to a post office.
The Golgi apparatus is composed of stacks of membrane-bound structures known as cisternae. There are typically four to eight cisterns in each apparatus. Each individual part of a cistern, known as a cisterna, is a flattened membrane disc that contains enzymes used to modify molecules. The entire structure lies between the endoplasmic reticulum, or the cell’s “factory”, and the cell membrane. The location and structure of the Golgi apparatus allow materials produced in the endoplasmic reticulum to be rapidly processed and “shipped” out of the cell membrane.
This cellular “post office” plays a vital role in preparing molecules for use both inside and outside the cell. Its main purpose is the modification of proteins, which play vital roles in almost all biological processes. It adds sugars and phosphate groups to proteins, modifying their structures and functions to suit their specific tasks. It is also involved in the transport of lipids and the production of lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes that break down substances in cells.
To store and transport molecules, the Golgi apparatus uses vesicles. Vesicles are small membrane-enclosed sacs used for storage, transport, and digestion. Vesicles are also used to move substances out of the cell through a process known as exocytosis, in which the vesicle fuses with the cell membrane and releases its contents outside. They can also fuse with cell membranes from outside the cell and release their contents inside. This is known as endocytosis.
Camillo Golgi, an Italian doctor, identified the Golgi apparatus in 1898, and the structure bears his name today. While it is vital for the proper functioning of eukaryotic cells, the Golgi apparatus, like most membrane-bound organelles, is absent in prokaryotes. In general, prokaryotes are much smaller than eukaryotes and have fewer requirements in terms of modification, transport and storage. Large and complex eukaryotes, like humans, have much more diverse needs. As such, the indefatigable Cell Post Office is unlikely to be out of business anytime soon.
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