What does the Golgi body primarily do within a cell?

The Golgi body, also known as the Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex, plays a critical role in the processing and packaging of proteins and carbohydrates that are synthesized in the cell. After proteins are created in the endoplasmic reticulum, they are transported to the Golgi apparatus, where they undergo further modifications, such as glycosylation. This involves the addition of sugar molecules, which is essential for their functionality and stability.

Once the proteins are correctly modified, the Golgi apparatus packages them into vesicles for transport. These vesicles can then move to various locations within the cell, or they may fuse with the plasma membrane to export the proteins outside the cell. This process is vital for producing hormones, enzymes, and other important substances necessary for the cell's function and communication.

The other options describe functions performed by different cellular structures. For example, ribosomal RNA is produced in the nucleolus, cellular respiration primarily occurs in the mitochondria, and genetic material is stored in the nucleus. Thus, understanding the specific function of the Golgi body clarifies its integral role in the cell's overall operation.