What is the Cisternae Maturation Model?

The cisternae maturation model is a theory that postulates how newly synthesized proteins and lipid molecules traverse the Golgi, and how the Golgi apparatus is formed. This model suggests that new cis cisternae is formed by the fusion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) derived vesicles. As newly formed cis cisternae progress through the Golgi stack they mature by acquiring medial and then trans Golgi enzymes via vesicular transport. These vesicles travel in a retrograde motion, meaning they move from later to earlier cisternae. Finally, the oldest cisternae, known as the trans Golgi network (TGN), dissipate into vesicles, and are transported to the cell surface for secretion.