The Golgi apparatus has intrigued researchers since its discovery and despite the advances, there are still many open questions in regards to its shape and function. We propose a mechanical model of Golgi apparatus stack and explain its most elementary geometrical properties: the equilibrium number of cisternae, the stack size, and its general equilibrium shape. Combining both analytical and numerical methods we successfully reconstruct the stack morphology within the theory of bending elasticity. We demonstrate that energy-wise the stack prefers an overall bent shape and show strong evidence that the adhesion strength determines the equilibrium number of cisternae per stack. We explore the morphological role of fenestrations and discuss their impact on the overall stack structure. We also comment on the effects of the asymmetry in the composition of membrane leaflets on the shape of the cisternae and thus offer a broad steady-state study of the stack morphology and present a method that can be used also for other membrane-bound organelles.

中文翻译：

---

高尔基体的机械模型。

自发现以来，高尔基体引起了研究人员的兴趣，尽管取得了进步，但关于其形状和功能仍存在许多悬而未决的问题。我们提出了一个高尔基体堆的力学模型，并解释了其最基本的几何特性：水箱的平衡数，堆的大小及其一般的平衡形状。结合分析和数值方法，我们在弯曲弹性理论内成功地重建了堆叠形态。我们证明了从能量角度而言，烟囱更喜欢整体弯曲的形状，并显示出有力的证据表明粘附强度​​决定了每堆水塘的平衡数。我们探索开窗的形态学作用，并讨论它们对整体堆叠结构的影响。