Which is a structure within a cell?
a. Alveolus
b. Glomerulus
c. Golgi apparatus
d. Pharynx
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Golgi apparatus.
The Golgi apparatus, also known as the Golgi complex, is a structure found within a cell that is crucial for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to different destinations, either within or outside the cell. It consists of a series of stacked membrane-bound sacs known as cisternae. Proteins and lipids that are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are transported to the Golgi apparatus in vesicles. Once in the Golgi, these molecules are further processed. For example, the Golgi can add sugar groups to proteins in a process called glycosylation, or it can modify the structure of lipids.
After processing, the Golgi apparatus packages the proteins and lipids into vesicles that are directed to various parts of the cell or outside the cell. The Golgi is often described as the cell’s “post office” because of its role in packaging and shipping cellular materials.
In contrast, the other options are not cellular structures. The alveolus is a small air sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, but it is part of the respiratory system, not a cellular structure. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries in the kidney that filters blood, and the pharynx is the throat, which is part of the digestive and respiratory systems.
Thus, the Golgi apparatus is the only structure listed that is found inside cells and plays a critical role in the cell’s functioning, particularly in the processing and transport of biomolecules.