GOLGI APPARATUS
The Golgi body was discovered by Camilo Golgi (1889) who observed densely stained reticular structures near the nucleus. The Golgi body is surrounded by cytoplasm that contains fewer or possibly no other organelles.
This region is referred to as the Golgi ground substance or the zone of exclusion. The Golgi complex, Golgi apparatus, or Golgi body is a membrane-bound organelle, involved in the processing of proteins. The Golgi body is present in all the cells except red blood cells. The Golgi apparatus is composed of a series of 5 to 8 flattened membranous sacs known as cisternae.2.5.1 Functions
The primary role of the Golgi body is to secrete macromolecules, which involves exporting them.
The Process of Secretion in Three Steps:
(i) Golgi body receives the materials from ER through its cis-face.
(ii) Materials undergo chemical modifications within the Golgi body, such as glycosylation of proteins and glycosidation of lipids, resulting in the production of glycoproteins and glycolipids respectively.
(iii) After undergoing chemical alteration, substances are enclosed within vesicles. These vesicles are separated from the trans face of the Golgi body and released (material) outside the cell through a process known as reverse pinocytosis.
• The acrosome of sperm is formed during the process of spermatogenesis by Golgi body.
• It plays a crucial role in the synthesis and storage of the yolk and vitelline membrane of the egg.
• It enhances mitochondrial activity to increase ATP production.
• The Golgi body plays a role in facilitating the secretion of hormones by endocrine glands.
2.6