Explore & Learn

• Sharks have lots of teeth—not just one row like us! • When one falls out, a new one pops in like magic! • Some sharks grow over 30,000 teeth in their whole life! • Their teeth aren’t stuck in like ours—they’re easy to lose and replace. • They lose teeth all the time, even while eating! • Behind the front teeth, there are more teeth waiting to come forward. • New teeth can grow in just a few days! • Different sharks have different teeth—sharp, pointy, or flat! • Sharks always have sharp teeth ready, so they can chomp food anytime! • That’s why sharks are always ready for their next meal—no dentist needed!

• Cats have a special trick that helps them land on their feet. • It’s called the “righting reflex.” • Even baby cats start learning it after a few weeks! • Their bodies are super bendy (like rubber!). • They turn their head first, then twist the rest of their body. • Their front and back legs move differently to help them spin. • They spread out their legs like a parachute to slow down a little. • Their legs are strong, so they can land without getting hurt.

Golgi Apparatus Golgi Apparatus: The Packaging and Shipping Center of the Cell The Golgi Apparatus, also known as the Golgi Complex or Golgi Body, is a vital organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It plays a key role in modifying, sorting, packaging, and transporting proteins and lipids that are produced in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Structure of the Golgi Apparatus • The Golgi Apparatus looks like a stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs called cisternae. • These stacks are often curved and arranged like a stack of pancakes. • It has two faces: • The cis face (receiving side) – located near the ER, where it receives newly made proteins and lipids. • The trans face (shipping side) – where modified substances are packaged and sent to their destinations. Functions of the Golgi Apparatus 1. Modification of Proteins and Lipids • Proteins and lipids from the ER are often not ready to be used immediately. The Golgi modifies them by adding sugars or other molecules to form glycoproteins and glycolipids. 2. Sorting and Packaging • Once modified, the Golgi sorts these substances based on their destination (inside the cell or outside). • It then packages them into small membrane-bound sacs called vesicles. 3. Transport • The vesicles carry proteins and lipids to where they are needed, including: • The plasma membrane (for secretion) • Lysosomes • Other parts of the cell 4. Production of Lysosomes • The Golgi also helps in forming lysosomes, which are small organelles that digest waste materials and worn-out cell parts. Why is the Golgi Apparatus Important? The Golgi Apparatus is like the post office or warehouse of the cell. Just like a postal system receives, processes, and delivers packages, the Golgi receives products from the ER, processes them, and sends them to the right location. Without the Golgi Apparatus: • Proteins and lipids would not be properly processed or sent to their correct destinations. • The cell would not be able to function efficiently or respond to its environment. Summary • Location: Near the endoplasmic reticulum • Structure: Stack of flattened sacs (cisternae) • Main roles: Modification, packaging, and transportation of proteins and lipids • Nicknames: Cell’s post office, packaging center, shipping station