Structure and Function:
The Golgi complex is the delivery system of the eukaryotic cell, it collects, packages, modifies, and distributes molecules that are synthesized at one location within the cell and used at another.The main function of the Golgi apparatus is to be responsible for handling the macromolecules that are required for proper cell functioning. It processes and packages these macromolecules for use within the cell or for secretion. Primarily, the Golgi apparatus modifies proteins that it receives from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, however, it also transports lipids to vital parts of the
cell and creates lysosomes.
This complex is usually located close to the cell nucleus. The golgi apparatus typically is comprised of a series of five to eight cup-shaped, membrane-covered sacs called cisternae that look
something like a stack of deflated balloons. In some unicellular flagellates, however, as many as 60 cisternae may combine to make up the Golgi apparatus.
The Golgi complex is the delivery system of the eukaryotic cell, it collects, packages, modifies, and distributes molecules that are synthesized at one location within the cell and used at another.The main function of the Golgi apparatus is to be responsible for handling the macromolecules that are required for proper cell functioning. It processes and packages these macromolecules for use within the cell or for secretion. Primarily, the Golgi apparatus modifies proteins that it receives from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, however, it also transports lipids to vital parts of the
cell and creates lysosomes.
This complex is usually located close to the cell nucleus. The golgi apparatus typically is comprised of a series of five to eight cup-shaped, membrane-covered sacs called cisternae that look
something like a stack of deflated balloons. In some unicellular flagellates, however, as many as 60 cisternae may combine to make up the Golgi apparatus.
Connections:
History:
Due to its relatively large size, the Golgi apparatus was one of the
first organelles ever observed. The existence of the cell organelle which is now known as Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex, or simply as 'the Golgi", was first reported by Camillo Golgi in 1898 (reference?), when he described in nerve cells an 'internal reticular apparatus' impregnated by a variant of his chromoargentic staining. It soon became clear that the newly-identified cytoplasmic structure occurred in a variety of cell types. However, the reality of the organelle was questioned for decades, until it was finally ascertained with electron microscopy. The Golgi apparatus was destined to become a protagonist of the research in cytology and cell biology pursued in the second half of the twentieth century.
Due to its relatively large size, the Golgi apparatus was one of the
first organelles ever observed. The existence of the cell organelle which is now known as Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex, or simply as 'the Golgi", was first reported by Camillo Golgi in 1898 (reference?), when he described in nerve cells an 'internal reticular apparatus' impregnated by a variant of his chromoargentic staining. It soon became clear that the newly-identified cytoplasmic structure occurred in a variety of cell types. However, the reality of the organelle was questioned for decades, until it was finally ascertained with electron microscopy. The Golgi apparatus was destined to become a protagonist of the research in cytology and cell biology pursued in the second half of the twentieth century.