The cell organelle responsible for storing, packaging, and modifying proteins is the Golgi apparatus.
The Golgi apparatus, also known as the Golgi complex or Golgi body, is a series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs found in eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in the processing and packaging of proteins and lipids that are synthesized in the cell. Here’s how it works:
- Storage: The Golgi apparatus temporarily stores proteins that are received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Modification: It modifies proteins by adding or removing certain molecules, such as carbohydrates, to create glycoproteins or proteoglycans. This modification is essential for the protein’s function and destination.
- Packaging: After modification, the Golgi apparatus packages these proteins into vesicles. These vesicles then transport the proteins to their final destinations, which could be inside the cell, on the cell membrane, or outside the cell.
In summary, the Golgi apparatus is a vital organelle that ensures proteins are properly stored, modified, and packaged for their specific roles within or outside the cell.