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Describe the structures characterized by membrane-bound vesicles, long channels, an interconnected network of canals, and stacks of flattened sacs called cisternae.

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Final answer:

The question refers to the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells, primarily the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. These structures are involved in protein and lipid synthesis, as well as packaging and transporting cellular substances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structures characterized by membrane-bound vesicles, long channels, an interconnected network of canals, and stacks of flattened sacs called cisternae refer to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus, which are part of the cell's endomembrane system. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in synthesizing and transporting proteins and lipids, while the Golgi apparatus functions in modifying, sorting, and packaging these molecules for secretion or for use within the cell. Vesicles are transport containers that move substances between these compartments and to the cell membrane. In plants, the Golgi also synthesizes components of the cell wall. The Golgi apparatus, in particular, consists of a series of cisternae, which modify proteins via glycosylation or phosphorylation and sort them for delivery to their appropriate destinations. Together, these organelles play crucial roles in the overall functioning of eukaryotic cells, including protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and transport of cellular materials.

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