What is the primary function of the Golgi body in a cell?

The primary function of the Golgi body, also known as the Golgi apparatus, is to process and package secretory products. This organelle plays a crucial role in modifying proteins and lipids that have been synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Once these molecules are modified, the Golgi apparatus sorts and packages them into vesicles for transport to their designated destinations, either within the cell or for secretion outside of the cell.

The Golgi body is involved in various processes, including glycosylation, where carbohydrates are added to proteins, which is essential for determining protein function and final destination. It is also responsible for concentrating, storing, and sending out these processed molecules, making it integral to cellular secretory pathways.

In contrast, the other options describe functions associated with different cellular structures. For instance, generating ATP for energy is primarily the role of mitochondria. Storing genetic information is the function of the nucleus. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, which translate genetic information into peptides. Thus, the role of the Golgi body is distinctly focused on processing and packaging rather than synthesis or energy production.