Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What structure packages proteins and lipids after modifying them?

1. Cell membrane

2. Nucleus

3. Vesicles

4. Golgi apparatus

The correct answer is: Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is the structure responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles within the cell. Once the proteins and lipids are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, they are transported to the Golgi apparatus, where they undergo further modifications, such as glycosylation. After the Golgi apparatus completes its processing, it sorts these molecules into vesicles. These vesicles can then transport the proteins and lipids to various destinations, such as the cell membrane for secretion or to lysosomes for degradation. In contrast, the cell membrane primarily functions as a barrier and does not package proteins and lipids. The nucleus is involved in storing genetic material and regulating gene expression rather than modifying and packaging biomolecules. While vesicles are involved in the transport of proteins and lipids, they do not perform the function of modifying them; that crucial role is reserved for the Golgi apparatus. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential function of the Golgi apparatus in the cellular transportation and processing of biomolecules.