Final answer:
The Golgi apparatus is not covered with ribosomes; all other descriptions such as being an organelle, processing center, and involvement in secretion are accurate characteristics of the Golgi apparatus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Golgi apparatus is characterized by all of the following except that it is not covered with ribosomes. The Golgi apparatus is an important eukaryotic organelle known for its role in processing, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for distribution both within and outside of the cell. Resembling a stack of deflated balloons or pancakes, it is made of membrane-bound sacs known as cisternae, which receive proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). It functions similarly to a post office, labeling and shipping cellular products to their correct destinations. These include secreting substances out of the cell, directing them to lysosomes or peroxisomes, integrating them into the cell membrane, and more. However, unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus does not have ribosomes on its surface. It is commonly more prominent in cells that have high secretory demands, such as antibody-secreting plasma cells.