This review is dedicated to the structure and function of Golgi apparatus (GA). It summarizes contemporary
data published in numerous experimental papers and in several reviews. Possible ways of intra-Golgi transport
of proteins, existent models of structural and functional organization of Golgi organelle, as well as the issues of
its biogenesis, posttranslational modification and sorting of proteins and lipids, and mechanisms of their trafficking
are discussed. Special attention is paid to the role of coatomer proteins (COPI, COPII and clathrin), fusion
proteins (SNAREs), and small GTPases (ARF, SARI) in the secretory pathway. In addition, the phenomena of
ultrastructural alterations of GA due to various functional conditions and physiological stimuli are specifically
accented. We included in this review our original data on a probable involvement of GA in water transport, and
on the organization of atypical GA in microsporidia — intracellular parasitic protists.
Key words: Golgi apparatus, intracellular transport, cell ultrastructure, epithelium, microsporidia, immunocytochemistry,
electron and confocal microscopy
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