In cystic fibrosis, an important protein destined for the plasma membrane never makes it beyond the Golgi complex. This protein is necessary for Na and Cl- transport and is critical for maintaining mucous secretions of the appropriate consistency. Devise an explanation for why this may occur.

The correct answer is - Golgi apparatus marks or tags on this protein as incorrect or dysfunctional tags which then prevents it from transported to the membrane.

Explanation:

The role of the Golgi apparatus is to process and package the proteins produced and come from ER and transfer them to the plasma membrane in order to transfer them to their target sites.

The Golgi apparatus marks or tags the proteins that are incorrect or dysfunctional, in order to prevent these proteins from transporting to the plasma membrane and harm the membrane. In CF, the case is similar as the Golgi apparatus tags these proteins as incorrect or dysfunctional.