The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in the post-translational modification and sorting of proteins that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
Once proteins are synthesized in the rough ER, they are packaged into vesicles and transported to the Golgi apparatus. Here, the Golgi modifies these proteins by adding carbohydrate groups (glycosylation) or other chemical modifications. This is essential for the proper functioning of many proteins, as these modifications can determine their final destination and activity.
After the modifications are completed, the Golgi apparatus sorts and packages the proteins into new vesicles, directing them to their respective locations, whether that’s to be secreted from the cell, sent to the lysosomes, or delivered to the cell membrane. In essence, the Golgi apparatus acts as the cell’s processing and shipping center for proteins, ensuring they are in the correct form and at the right place when needed.