1.2.2

Golgi, Lysosomes & Ribosomes

Test yourself

The Golgi Apparatus and Golgi Vesicles

The Golgi apparatus releases Golgi vesicles. Lysosomes are a special type of Golgi vesicle.

Illustrative background for Structure of Golgi apparatus Illustrative background for Structure of Golgi apparatus  ?? "content

Structure of Golgi apparatus

  • The Golgi apparatus is a series of flattened membranous sacs.
Illustrative background for Function of Golgi apparatus Illustrative background for Function of Golgi apparatus  ?? "content

Function of Golgi apparatus

  • Transport vesicles form at the endoplasmic reticulum and fuse with the Golgi apparatus.
  • The transport vesicles empty proteins and lipids into the lumen of the Golgi apparatus.
  • As the proteins and lipids travel through the Golgi, they are sorted, packaged and tagged so that they can be sent to the right place.
Illustrative background for Structure of Golgi vesiclesIllustrative background for Structure of Golgi vesicles ?? "content

Structure of Golgi vesicles

  • Golgi vesicles are membrane-bound, fluid-filled vesicles located in the cytoplasm.
  • They are small, round and are seen in a high density near the edges of the sacs.
  • Lysosomes are a type of Golgi vesicle.
Illustrative background for Function of Golgi vesiclesIllustrative background for Function of Golgi vesicles ?? "content

Function of Golgi vesicles

  • Golgi vesicles store and transport modified proteins and lipids from the Golgi apparatus to target cells.
  • Lysosomes are a special type of Golgi vesicle. They contain enzymes called lysozymes.
    • Lysozymes aid the breakdown of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids and old organelles.

Ribosomes and the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Proteins are made in ribosomes. Proteins may then be folded and processed by the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The smooth endoplasmic reticulum makes and processes lipids.

Illustrative background for Structure of ribosomesIllustrative background for Structure of ribosomes ?? "content

Structure of ribosomes

  • Ribosomes can be free floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the cytoplasmic side of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
  • Ribosomes are very small organelles made of protein subunits. This means that ribosomes are not covered by a membrane.
Illustrative background for Function of ribosomesIllustrative background for Function of ribosomes ?? "content

Function of ribosomes

  • Ribosomes are in charge of protein synthesis.
  • Protein synthesis is an essential function of all cells. This is why ribosomes are found in practically every cell.
Illustrative background for Structure of the ERIllustrative background for Structure of the ER ?? "content

Structure of the ER

  • The ER is a series of interconnected membranous sacs and tubules.
  • The membrane of the ER is a phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins.
  • The smooth ER (SER) membrane has no ribosomes but the rough ER (RER) membrane has many ribosomes on its surface.
Illustrative background for Function of the RER and SER Illustrative background for Function of the RER and SER  ?? "content

Function of the RER and SER

  • The RER is responsible for processing and folding proteins.
  • The SER is responsible for making and processing lipids.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Molecular Biology

3Genetics

4Ecology

5Evolution & Biodiversity

6Human Physiology

7AHL: Nucleic Acids

8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis

9AHL: Plant Biology

9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants

9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants

9.3Growth in Plants

10AHL: Genetics & Evolution

11AHL: Animal Physiology

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium