It consist of a network of membrane bound tubules and sac which are interconnected with endoplasmic reticulum.
They are found in cytoplasm nearer to the nucleus.
These are absent in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria as well as in mature sperms, red blood cells etc in higher organisms like mammals.
Structure:
It originates from the membrane of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
It consists of a system of membrane bound vesicles and flattened tube like structures called cistern.
These cisternae (plural) are arranged parallel to each other in the form of stacks.
The stacks or cisterns are formed due to fusion of incoming vesicles from endoplasmic reticulum. This site is known as cis or forming face.
Vesicles coming from ER contain the material synthesized by them and transport it to Golgi body where it will be stored and will be transported to target site later.
The opposite site from where new vesicles are formed and dispatched to target site is called as trans face or maturing face.
They will receive the modified substances from Golgi body and transport it to the part of the cell where it is required.
Internal cavity is filled with fluid which contains water and basic components like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals etc as well as the secretions of Golgi body itself.
Golgi body can also form the vacuoles which have different functions.
Processing:
It is involved in storage and modification of material synthesized by endoplasmic reticulum.
It packages the cellular secretions and transports them to the target site like plasma membrane, mitochondria, nucleus etc.
Synthesis:
It can synthesize various complex sugars from simple sugars.
Secretion:
It is a secretory organelle.
It produces vesicles which contain cellular secretions like enzymes, proteins, melanin pigments etc.
Formation of lysosome:
It can produce lysosome which contain hydrolytic enzyme and is involved in intracellular digestion.
