Discuss the structure and function of golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum
Answers
The Golgi body (or Golgi complex, apparatus), and Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are both organelles found in the majority of eukaryotic cells. They are very closely associated and show both similarities and differences in structure and function. Some of these are as follows:
Structure
The Golgi body consists of stacks of flattened membrane-enclosed and fluid-filled saccules (cisternae). It is also associated with tubules continuous with the edges of the saccules and vesicles. Unlike the ER, the Golgi shows both structural and functional polarization.
Golgi apparatus. Golgi Complex plays an important role in the modification and transport of proteins within the cell. Image Copyright: Designua / Shutterstock
Golgi apparatus. Golgi Complex plays an important role in the modification and transport of proteins within the cell. Image Copyright: Designua / Shutterstock
It is not entirely understood how this is maintained however it seems to underlie the directional flow of materials from the cis (input) to the trans (output) cisternae amongst other forms of transport. It might also explain how the secretory vesicles form on the cis face of the Golgi and mature and dissociate from the trans face on the opposite side of the stack.
Endoplasmic reticulum is a continuous membrane, which is present in both plant cells, animal cells and absent in prokaryotic. Image Copyright: Designua / Shutterstock
Endoplasmic reticulum is a continuous membrane, which is present in both plant cells, animal cells and absent in prokaryotic. Image Copyright: Designua / Shutterstock
Similarly, the ER comprises an extensive network of membrane-enclosed sacs and tubules. It has such a physically wide reach that in most eukaryotic cells, it is the largest organelle. It also has a much larger internal structure than the Golgi body to carry out its activities.