Ultrastructure of Golgi apparatus:
(i) The structure of Golgi apparatus appears to be complex. Under the electron microscope, the structure appears as stacks of flattened sacs (cisternae) which are bounded by a membrane having a smooth surface.
(ii) These are often connected with flattened sacs or vesicles of various shape and size.
Functions of Golgi apparatus :
(i) Secretion: It has been established that the cells that perform secretory functions have well developed Golgi apparatus. The secretion may be in the form of lipids, enzymes, hormones, etc.
(ii) Cell wall formation in plants : In plants, dictyosomes are known to synthesize pectin and some carbohydrates necessary for the formation of the cell walls.
(iii) Acrosome formation: During spermatogenesis, Golgi apparatus forms the acrosome.
(iv) Lysosome formation : It has been established that secretory vesicles or primary lysosomes are produced from the sacs of the Glogi apparatus.
(v) Membrane transformation: Golgi bodies are also involved in the transformation of one type of membrane into another type.
(vi) Storage, condensation and packaging of the materials: The Golgi bodies are involved in storage, condensation, packaging and transfer of materials.
Fig. Three-dimensional view of Glogi apparatus