Answer
During the synthesis of glycoprotein hormones, carbohydrates are added in a specialized organelle within the cell called the **Golgi apparatus** or **Golgi complex**. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other cellular locations.
In the case of glycoprotein hormones, which include hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the protein component of the hormone is synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). After synthesis, the protein is transferred to the Golgi apparatus for post-translational modifications, including the addition of carbohydrate chains.
The carbohydrates are added to specific amino acid residues on the protein, a process known as **glycosylation**. This glycosylation step is crucial for the proper folding, stability, and biological activity of the glycoprotein hormones. Once glycosylation is complete, the Golgi apparatus packages the modified glycoprotein hormones into secretory vesicles, which can then be released from the cell in response to appropriate signals.
In summary, the Golgi apparatus is the cellular organelle where carbohydrates are added to glycoprotein hormones during their synthesis, which is a critical step for their proper function and secretion.
Work Step by Step
During the synthesis of glycoprotein hormones, carbohydrates are added in a specialized organelle within the cell called the **Golgi apparatus** or **Golgi complex**. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other cellular locations.
In the case of glycoprotein hormones, which include hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the protein component of the hormone is synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). After synthesis, the protein is transferred to the Golgi apparatus for post-translational modifications, including the addition of carbohydrate chains.
The carbohydrates are added to specific amino acid residues on the protein, a process known as **glycosylation**. This glycosylation step is crucial for the proper folding, stability, and biological activity of the glycoprotein hormones. Once glycosylation is complete, the Golgi apparatus packages the modified glycoprotein hormones into secretory vesicles, which can then be released from the cell in response to appropriate signals.
In summary, the Golgi apparatus is the cellular organelle where carbohydrates are added to glycoprotein hormones during their synthesis, which is a critical step for their proper function and secretion.
