Describe structure and functions of Golgi apparatus.

Structure of Golgi apparatus: Golgi apparatus first described by Camillo Golgi. There are three distinct components are visible in the Golgi complex. They are

• Flattened sacs or cisternae

• Clusters of tubules and vesicles, and

• Large vesicles or vacuoles

Golgi apparatus has a convex forming face and a concave maturing face. The forming face receives vesicles from ER and maturing face produces secretory vesicles and lysosomes.

Golgi apparatus absent in bacteria, blue green algae, mature sperms and RBC of mammals and other animals.

Function: (i) The main function of Golgi apparatus is secretory. It helps in the secretion of mucus, enzymes and hormones.

(ii) It helps in the storage of secretory products.

(iii) Golgi apparatus is also involved in the synthesis of cell wall, plasma membrane and lysosomes.