The Golgi apparatus or complex is one of the structures located within cells, both animals and plants. It is about the reception, development, storage and subsequent release of proteins, either through the cells of the nervous system (responsible for the secretion of substances), or through the endocrine system (producer of hormones).
Small stacked flat bags formed by membranes within the cytoplasm (gelatin-like fluid) of the cell. The Golgi complex produces proteins and lipid (fat) molecules for use anywhere inside and outside the cell. The Golgi complex is a cellular organelle. Also called the Golgi apparatus and Golgi body.
Once the proteins are produced, they leave the rough or smooth endoplasmic reticulum and go directly to the Golgi apparatus, located near the nucleus of the cell. There they end up forming in their different types, while passing through the so-called tank cisterns, which are flattened saccules and surrounded by membranes, stacked one on top of the other.
It can then be said that the function of the Golgi apparatus is the glycosylation of proteins and lipids, in addition to the distribution of lysosomes and peroxisomes (substance secretion vesicles).
This glycosylation or biochemical process was thoroughly studied and explained by Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and later by Camillo Golgi, from whom it owes its name. Both scientists were winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906.
Among the functions developed by the Golgi apparatus are the production of the acrosome that is part of the sperm and the development of primary lysosomes; the elaboration of plasma membrane; cell secretion; and the alteration of the substances synthesized by the rough endoplasmic reticulum. In general, it can be said that the Golgi apparatus modifies and distributes the macromolecules synthesized by the cell.
The Golgi apparatus is divided according to its function into three regions:
Cis-Golgi region or internal region: near the reticulum, from which it receives the transition vesicles that serve as transport for proteins to the external part of the apparatus.
Medial region: it is a transition zone.
Trans-Golgi region or external region: is the area of maturation. It is so close to the plasma membrane, that they have a similar composition.
The vesicles exiting the reticulum then enter the Cis-Golgi region, where they fuse and cross all the dictyosomes (stacked sacs or Golgi stacks) until they reach the Trans-Golgi. There they are prepared - it is said packaged - and distributed according to the case. In each region, these vesicles were modified by enzymes that gave them a particular character. Now they are dating.
