How are proteins transported to their correct locations in the cell as part of the endomembrane system?

• A. By direct diffusion through the cytoplasm
• B. Via passive transport across the plasma membrane
• C. Through vesicles that bud off from the Golgi apparatus
• D. By being synthesized directly at their destination

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the endomembrane system in the cell, which includes the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles. This system is responsible for the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.
2. Recognize that proteins are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further modification and sorting.
3. Learn that the Golgi apparatus modifies proteins and tags them for transport to their specific destinations within the cell. This tagging involves adding molecular markers that determine the protein's final location.
4. Understand that vesicles are small membrane-bound sacs that bud off from the Golgi apparatus. These vesicles carry the proteins to their designated locations within the cell, such as lysosomes, the plasma membrane, or other organelles.
5. Realize that the transport of proteins via vesicles is a highly regulated process, ensuring that proteins reach their correct destinations efficiently and accurately, rather than diffusing directly through the cytoplasm or being synthesized at their destination.