Golgi
Golgi Apparatus
Golgi Apparatus (pronounced: gol-jee ap-uh-rat-uhs), also known as the Golgi complex or simply the Golgi, is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. It was first identified in 1897 by the Italian physician Camillo Golgi, and it is named after him.
Etymology
The term "Golgi" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Camillo Golgi, an Italian physician and scientist. The term "apparatus" comes from the Latin word "apparatus", which means "equipment" or "machinery".
Function
The primary function of the Golgi apparatus is to process and package the macromolecules such as proteins and lipids that are synthesized by the cell. It is particularly important in the processing of proteins for secretion. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages these molecules for transport to different destinations. It is also involved in the transport of lipids around the cell, and the creation of lysosomes.
Structure
The Golgi apparatus is composed of a series of flattened, stacked pouches called cisternae. The number of cisternae in a single Golgi stack varies between species and individual cells, but is usually around four to eight. Each cisterna comprises a flat, membrane-enclosed disc that includes special enzymes that modify proteins.
Related Terms
- Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a type of organelle in the cells of eukaryotic organisms that forms an interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs or tubes known as cisternae, and is connected to the nuclear envelope.
- Lysosomes: Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain acid hydrolase enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
- Proteins: Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Golgi
- Wikipedia's article - Golgi
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