* Ribosomes: These are the protein synthesis machines of the cell. They read the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA) and assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, which are the building blocks of proteins.
* Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): This is a network of membranes that extends throughout the cytoplasm. The rough ER, studded with ribosomes, is where proteins are synthesized and begin to fold. The smooth ER, lacking ribosomes, plays a role in lipid metabolism and detoxification.
* Golgi apparatus: This is a stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs. It receives proteins from the ER, modifies them (adding sugars, lipids, etc.), sorts them, and packages them into vesicles for delivery to their final destinations.
Here's a simplified way to think about it:
1. Ribosomes make the proteins.
2. Rough ER helps with protein folding and initial modifications.
3. Golgi apparatus further processes, sorts, and packages the proteins into vesicles for transport.
