Golgi apparatus: definition and function

Golgi’s apparatus is a Cellular organelo of eukaryotic cellsthat is, it is exclusive to this type of cells and have a true core. In animal cells it is where they are properly formed, with good size cisterns. In plant cells there are underdeveloped, scattered golgi devices and their tanks are small. In yeasts there are no cisterns as such.

You are arranged About cell cytoplasmnear the plasma membrane, of the endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus and is distinguished by having composite moon shape by several bags, whose number varies depending on the type and origin of the cell.

The Golgi apparatus is derived from the Endomembrane system, which helps compartmentalize cells in different functional organelles. It has a very compact and folded structure to make its functions more efficient, which we will review below.

If you want to know more about cellular organelles: what are, functions and examples or the types of cells, do not hesitate to read these posts that we recommend.

The structure of the Golgi apparatus consists of cisterns, vesicles and lumen, with two faces: the one that receives the vesicles and the one that expels them. Next, we will see it more detail.

• Cisterns: They are bags flattened groupedwho are called cisterns. They usually group 4 to 8 bags. Each is independent, they are not connected and are delimited by a membrane. A cell can have several of these stacked bags, but it depends on the type of cell, and its status. The cisterns are found On fibrous proteins. This space is called matrix.
• Vesicles: Within its cisterns they travel vesicles. Those that enter are called incoming vesicles, and those sent are the outgoing vesicles. They are manufactured from the Golgi apparatus membrane.
• Lumen: The region that is located at the center of the cisterns.
• Cara-Cis and Cara-Trans: This lumen has two faces. The CIS is the vesicle receptor sideand the trans is the face that sends them out. In the midst of both poles are the intermediate tanks. Given the name of these faces, the movement of the vesicles has a direction from CIS to trans. The cis face is usually closer to the endoplasmic reticulum. Each face has a different molecular polarity, thickness and composition.

Golgi’s apparatus is in charge of package, label, save and send the products that come from the endoplasmic reticulumanother organelle that is inside the cell. These products that processes can be:

• Proteins
• Lipids

They are usually modified by eliminating sugar monomers, replacing or modifying portions, all for the purpose of being used within cellular activities.

For example, carbohydrates can be added to proteins to become glycoproteins. They can also form glucolipids, proteoglycans and polysaccharides. To this process It is called protein glycosylationand has the function of being taken to other cell structures, or to be secreted. This secretion is very important in the gland system and for the regulation of organisms.

Packaging function

The process that occurs within the Golgi apparatus follows the following order:

1. First receive Vesicles with macromolecules Inside: They come from the endoplasmic reticulum.
2. These vesicles They bind to the tanks of the cis face of the Golgi apparatus: Each cistern complete different stages of processing and packaging.
3. After They mature And they are transported to the trans face: When they arrive in this area they leave the Golgi apparatus and transport the products to other areas within the cell. In the major cases, the plasma membrane is the final destination of the already processed vesicles.

There is also a movement towards Wrong Wayin which the molecules are recycled to be reinserted towards the cis face. The process It is not staticbut it has been discovered that during maturation the cisterns move.

Labeling function

To know where the molecules have to be sent, if they have already been processed or if they should be stored, there is a labeling system that works with molecular identification signswhere phosphate groups are added. This serves as shipping tags to guide the Golgi apparatus. After this labeling, products are saved and sent to another organelle.

Manufacturing and secretion function

Another important function is Macromolecules manufactureas polysaccharides that are excreted to complete important functions. A type of polysaccharide that is created by dictiosome is the pectin of fruits, which is widely used in the industry as thickening. In addition, this organelle attends during the Formation of primary lysosomeswhich are the organelles that complete cell digestion.

Having a secretory function, specialized cells for secretion have a large number of Golgi devices. It is found in All cells except blood.

If you want to know more about lysosomes: definition, characteristics and function, do not hesitate to read this ecology article see that we recommend you.

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