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Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi apparatus processes proteins that are targeted to the plasma membrane or endosomes. It also sorts various proteins within vesicles and helps them to be delivered throughout the cell via the endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi apparatus are found in most eukaryotic cells, and are found most frequently near heavy protein concentrations. Plasma-B cells, which secrete protein antibodies, have prominent Golgi apparatus.

In the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus fuses with transport vesicles and accepts the proteins they empty. It then modifies proteins while transporting them to their final destinations. It also makes use of cisternae as storage facilities for proteins.

It is not completely understood how the Golgi apparatus transports proteins. It is possible that the apparatus itself moves through cisternae progression, or that proteins diffuse from one cisternae to the next.

An example of the Golgi apparatus's functioning is the modification of glycoproteins used in the construction of the cell membrane. It takes simplified glycosylated proteins from the vesicles and creates a diversity of carbohydrate structures on proteins for a variety of uses.

Web Resources On Golgi Apparatus

Cells Alive: Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi Apparatus

Book Resources On Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi Apparatus and the Plant Secretory Pathway by David G. Robinson
The Golgi Apparatus (Molecular and Cell Biology Updates) by Berger & Roth (Editors)

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