This book summarizes all new data obtained after development of methods of Golgi complex sub fractionation, molecular biology and microscopy. It collects the full range of expertise, different points of view and different approaches. The book is devoted to molecular modes of the function of the Golgi apparatus as a whole, taking into account all experimental data. The book aims to make the functional organization of the Golgi apparatus more understandable.

General considerations The Golgi apparatus and main discoveries in the field of intracellular transport The Golgi apparatus as a crossroads in intracellular traffic Main machineries operating at the Golgi apparatus SNAREs Rabs COPII COPI: mechanisms and transport roles Arfs and Arls: models for Arf family members in membrane traffic at the Golgi COG complex The TRAPP complex The role of Ca2+ in the regulation of intracellular transport Golgi glycosylation enzymes Nucleotide sugar transporters of the Golgi apparatus Luminal lectins The Golgi ribbon and the function of the golgins Functional cross talk between membrane trafficking and cell signalling The role of the cytoskeleton in the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus The dynamin–cortactin complex as a mediator of vesicle formation at the trans-Golgi network The geometry of organelles of the secretory pathway Main transport steps ER-to-Golgi transport Intra-Golgi transport Structure and domain organization of the trans-Golgi network Golgi-to-PM transport Protein transport from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes The transport of soluble lysosomal hydrolases from the Golgi complex to lysosomes Transport of lysosomal membrane proteins from the Golgi complex to lysosomes Retrograde endosome-to-TGN transport Retrograde plasma membrane-to-Golgi apparatus transport Interactions between endocytosis and secretory transport Origins of the regulated secretory pathway Secretion and endocytosis in endothelial cells Formation of mucin granules Golgi apparatus and epithelial cell polarity Golgi apparatus inheritance Peculiarities of intracellular transport in different organisms Features of the plant Golgi apparatus Yeast Golgi apparatus Morphodynamics of the yeast Golgi apparatus Structure and function of the Golgi organelle in parasitic protists Evolution of the Golgi complex General conclusions