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The Golgi Apparatus: Structure and Function

1968; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0074-7696(08)60273-9

2163-5854

H. W. Beams, Richard G. Kessel,

Proteins in Food Systems

This chapter discusses the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus. The basic ultrastructure of the Golgi apparatus is relatively consistent throughout both the animal and plant kingdoms. The Golgi apparatus is readily observed in the living cell under the phase contrast microscope, where it generally appears comparable to that seen following the metallic impregnation methods. Metallic impregnation shows the Golgi apparatus as a dense, somewhat pleomorphic and ill-defined morphological structure. Early studies revealed its form to vary greatly in different types of cells and in the same cells depending on their state of activity. It may exist as a compact mass or be dispersed through the cytoplasm as isolated fragments. It has been described as a filamentous or platelike reticulum, a network of varying degrees of complexity, an arrangement of clear canals, vacuoles of varying size and crescent, cup or diskshaped bodies (dictyosomes) composed of an outer rim of osmiophilic substance ("Golgi externum") and an inner central portion of osmiophobic substance ("Golgi internum"). Electron microscope studies served to confirm and strengthen the classical concept of the Golgi apparatus and to clearly show its complex nature. Golgi complex might be involved in the synthesis of this cell product or to what extent it might be dealing with the secretory product in other ways. In some cells, it appears that the Golgi complex may collaborate with other cell organelles in the production of complex or heterogeneous secretory product. Other complex functions are also discussed in the chapter.