Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which organelle is associated with modification and glycosylation of proteins?

1. Mitochondria

2. Ribosomes

3. Golgi apparatus

4. Nucleus

The correct answer is: Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids that have been synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. It is particularly important for the glycosylation process, where carbohydrate molecules are added to proteins to form glycoproteins. This modification is essential for the functionality of many proteins, as it can affect their stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules in the body. In the context of cellular function, glycosylation can influence a protein's ability to be recognized by receptors, enhance its stability in the bloodstream, and impact its eventual role in cellular communication and signaling. The Golgi apparatus organizes these post-translational modifications and directs the modified proteins to their appropriate destinations within the cell or for secretion outside of the cell. As a result, its association with glycosylation and protein modification is fundamental to proper cellular function and overall homeostasis. The other organelles mentioned, such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and the nucleus, serve distinct functions; mitochondria are involved in energy production, ribosomes are key in protein synthesis, and the nucleus houses the genetic material for transcription and replication. They do not play a direct role in the modification and glycosyl