STPM Biology Structure of Cell and Organelle (Part 7)

Golgi Bodies / Golgi Apparatus

Distribution:

• Found mostly in glandular cells, secretory cells (like pancreatic cells) and liver cells.
• It is also found in plant cells, especially younger cells.
• It is randomly distributed in cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.

  

  Golgi Bodies
  

Structure:

• Golgi bodies is a stack of flattened sacs.
• This organelle is bounded by a membrane.
• Vesicles (small sacs) are always forming on the outside surface of the Golgi bodies.
• The content of Golgi bodies include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, lipoprotein, glycoprotein, glycolipid, steroids, enzymes, cholesterol and others.

Functions:

• Stores and processes proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
• Helps in the secretion of cell products.
• Golgi bodies serve as an intracellular transport. Golgi bodies collects, packages, and distributes synthesized substances from one part of the cell to another.
• Formation of lysosomes. Hydrolytic enzymes synthesized by ribosomes of RER are transported to Golgi bodies to be packaged into lysosomes.
• Protect and extend plasma membrane. Secretory vesicles from Golgi bodies fuse with the plasma membrane and extends the membrane.