The Golgi complex packages and modifies proteins and fats synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum. It is made up of flattened membrane sacs and has five functional regions. Enzymes in the Golgi change the size and shape of proteins and fats, and newly formed molecules can be stored or released from the cell. Exocytosis is used to release molecules from the cell.
The Golgi complex, or Golgi apparatus, is a cellular structure found in the cells of all animals. The main purpose of the Golgi complex is to package molecules such as proteins and fats which are synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum. Proteins and fats that pass through the Golgi are stored for later use, carried to the cell membrane where they are either released outside the cell or become part of the cell membrane.
The Golgi complex is made up of five to eight flattened membrane sacs, called cisternae. The flattened membranes, which are about one micrometer in diameter, sit on top of each other and are connected. There are five functional regions on the cistern pile that package or release proteins to other regions of a cell. In order for the Golgi complex to store or excrete proteins and fats, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum pinches vesicles, which are small bubbles of liquid, which are picked up by the Golgi. A functional region called the cis-Gogli network fuses with the trans-Golgi to harvest the vesicle.
As proteins pass through the Golgi complex, enzymes change the size and shape of proteins in the vesicle by adding or removing parts of a protein. These enzymes are capable of converting proteins into other molecules that are important for health, such as insulin. After enzymes make changes to some proteins and fats inside the vesicle, a new vesicle called secretory vesicle is formed and released into the cell. Once the secretory vesicle is released into the cell, newly formed molecules, such as insulin, can remain in the vesicle until needed, or be expelled from the cell and carried to other regions of the body, or become part of the cell membrane .
When molecules, such as hormones, are released from a secretory vesicle, the molecules are pulled out of the cell by a process known as exocytosis. Exocytosis is an active transport process that helps remove particles from the secretory vesicle to be released outside the cell wall. Some of the particles that are not released from the cell can become part of the cell membrane. In this case, the particles will be able to help with the transport or self-recognition functions of other molecules.
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