Thomas J. Deerinck Digital Image Gallery
Golgi Apparatus, DNA, and Microtubules of Dividing Cells
Camillo Golgi discovered a cell structure he believed played a role in protein secretion in 1898, but many other scientists doubted the existence of the new organelle. Rather, popular opinion held that the structure was an artificial byproduct of his staining technique and it was not until the invention of the electron microscope in the 1930s that Golgi's discovery was undeniably confirmed. Featured below is a confocal image of some dividing cells that are triple labeled for Golgi apparatus (green), microtubules (red), and DNA (blue).
The Golgi apparatus, sometimes referred to as the Golgi complex or body, is composed of several flat membrane-covered sacs stacked together like plates. The structure is polarized and each face is biochemically distinct, each segment containing different enzymes. The organization of the Golgi apparatus into discrete compartments impedes the release of the enzymes, which, if combined, would result in uninhibited biochemical reactions inside the cell.
Often considered the shipping department of a cell, the Golgi apparatus modifies proteins and lipids that have been produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and prepares them to be exported from the cell. The vesicles that arrive at the Golgi apparatus from the endoplasmic reticulum must pass through the sacs in sequence in order to be processed properly. Within the Golgi body, the compounds are transformed by the addition or subtraction of polysaccharide chains, readying them for their final destination. When complete, vesicles are formed containing the end product of the process, which then break away and are directed to their intended locations.
All photomicrographs in this gallery are ©2002 by Thomas J. Deerinck. All rights are reserved. Images may not be posted on the Internet or used in any other manner without specific written permission from the copyright owner.
