Golgi Complex

Golgi complex (also known as Golgi apparatus or Golgi bodies) is one of the largest organelles observed in an eukaryotic cell. It was first discovered by scientist Camillo Golgi in 1898, while testing a new staining technique (also known as Golgi staining). Golgi apparatus is the only cell organelle to be named after a scientist.
Structure
A typical Golgi complex is a stack of five to eight flat, semicircular membrane bound sacs known as cisternae often found with ribosome molecules. The stacked Golgi apparatus is polar in nature where the membranes of one side of the stack is different in composition and thickness from the other. The thinner, convex side of the apparatus is known as cis face. It is associated with the ER and is involved in recieving molecules synthesized from the ER by fusing with its vesicles. The intermediate medial and trans compartments of the Golgi contains a number of enzymes which selectively modify the molecules. The final reaction and segregation of the molecules takes place at the thicker, concave side of the Golgi, known as trans Golgi. These modified molecules are transported through vesicles, which pinch off from the Golgi, towards the lysosome, cell membrane or to the exterior of the cells.

Function
The Golgi complexes primarily modifies the products generated from the ER and also synthesize polysaccharides on its own. The number of Golgi bodies and the products generated depend upon the cell type. The exported products are generally secretions of proteins or glycoproteins that are part of the cell's function in the organism. The additional products are returned to the endoplasmic reticulum or undergo maturation to become lysosomes. Golgi bodies synthesize glycolipids and sphingomyelin as well as serve as a site for the synthesis of complex polysaccharides for the cell wall synthesis in plants.