Golgi apparatus |
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The Golgi apparatus is a structure within the cell devoted to processing the proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some of these proteins will end up embedded in the cell membrane while others end up in lysosomes. Still other proteins are secreted from the cell, in a process called exocytosis, such as digestive enzymes.
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| The Golgi apparatus can be considered as the dispatch and shipping department for the cell's chemical compounds. It modifies proteins and fats (lipids) that have been synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum and prepares them for exocytosis or for transport to other parts inside the cell. Proteins synthesised in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and lipids or hormones synthesised in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are encased in vesicles and transported to the golgi apparatus. These vesicles fuse with the golgi membranes and release their contents. Once inside the golgi apparatus the compounds are further processed by having sugar molecules added to them or tiny fragments chopped from their ends.When complete, the compound is packaged in a vesicle and expelled from the cell, as shown on the right. |  |