Golgi Apparatus Trafficking

What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus in vesicle trafficking?

The Golgi modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for delivery to their final destinations.

What are the three main regions of the Golgi?

Cis-Golgi (entry), medial-Golgi (processing), and trans-Golgi (exit).

How does trafficking occur within the Golgi?

Proteins move from the cis to the trans side through a process called cisternal maturation, where each cisterna moves forward and changes its enzyme content.

What role does COPI play in Golgi trafficking?

COPI vesicles return escaped ER proteins from the Golgi back to the ER and move enzymes backward between Golgi cisternae.

How do vesicles know where to go?

Specific protein markers (like SNAREs and Rab GTPases) on vesicles and target membranes ensure correct docking and fusion.

What happens at the trans-Golgi network (TGN)?

The TGN sorts proteins and lipids into vesicles coated with clathrin for delivery to lysosomes, secretory vesicles, or the plasma membrane.