The Golgi is composed of membrane-bound stacks known as cisternae. Between five and eight are usually present; however, in some protists as many as sixty have been observed.
Cells synthesize a large number of different macromolecules required for life. The Golgi apparatus is integral in modifying, sorting, and packaging these substances for cell secretion (exocytosis) or for use within the cell. As an analogy, it is like a cellular post office. It primarily modifies proteins delivered from the rough endoplasmic reticulum but is also involved in the transport of lipids around the cell, and the creation of lysosomes. In this respect it can be thought of as similar to a post office; it packages and labels items and then sends them to different parts of the cell. - modified from wikipedia
Golgi Apparatus - Magnus Manske
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