Golgi bodies

Golgi body is a complex cytoplasmic structure which helps in secretion, membrane transformation, and biosynthesis. It is absent in prokaryotic cell and present in all eukaryotic cell except RBC, spermatozoa of bryophytes, pteridophytes. In the vertebrate animal cell, their is present of a large single Golgi body called gold some but in invertebrate and plant cell their presents many small Golgi bodies called dictyosomes. Similarly, it is of large size in secretory cells.eg; pancreatic cell, liver cells, and smaller size in nonsecretory cells eg; muscle cells. The shape and size of Golgi bodies are variable and depends on upon the metabolic condition of the cell.

Structure of Golgi body

It consists of four different structural components they are

• Cisternae
• Vesicles
• Vacuoles
• Tubules

Cisternae

Cisternae are elongated, flat, slightly curved plate-like structure with a swollen end. They are placed one above another in a parallel bundle and are separated by a small space called intracisternal space.

Vesicles

Vesicles are small sac-like structures which are formed at the periphery. They remain attached to the tip of tubules and contains secretions.

Vacuoles

Vacuoles are the spherical or rounded structure which mainly occur at the concave surface or at the maturing face. Some of these vacuoles function as a primary lysosome.

Tubules

Tubules form a network at the periphery and help to interconnect the cisternae and vesicles.

Polarity of Golgi body

The Golgi body shows a distinct polarity with respect to its two surfaces(convex and concave surface). The convex surface or forming face is directed towards nucleus whereas its concave surface or maturing face towards cell membrane.

_{^{source:www.biologydiscussion.com}}

Functions of golgi body

• It condenses, chemically modified, packages and transports materials or substances.
• It helps in cell secretion.
• It helps in the production of hormones by endocrine glands.
• It forms primary lysosome.
• It forms cell plate in plant cells during cell division.
• It transforms membrane.
• It helps in the synthesis of glycoprotein and complex carbohydrates like pectic substances.