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Which organelle is referred to as the 'suicide bag' of the cell due to its ability to digest damaged cellular components using hydrolytic enzymes?
Ribosome
Lysosome
Mitochondria
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing powerful hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders. When a cell is damaged or undergoes programmed death, lysosomes burst and release these enzymes to digest the cell itself, earning them the nickname 'suicide bags' of the cell.
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing powerful hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders. When a cell is damaged or undergoes programmed death, lysosomes burst and release these enzymes to digest the cell itself, earning them the nickname 'suicide bags' of the cell.
Think of lysosomes as the cellular demolition and recycling crew equipped with specialized acidic cleaners that break down unwanted waste and old furniture, or tear down the entire facility when it becomes structurally compromised.
L for Lysosome = Lethal Locker of digestive enzymes that can cause cell lysis.
Lysosomes maintain an acidic interior environment with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.0, which is optimal for the activation of acid hydrolases. These enzymes are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and packaged via the Golgi apparatus. When cellular components become obsolete or damaged, lysosomes fuse with them to degrade macromolecules into simple, reusable building blocks.
Lysosomes contain over 40 different types of hydrolytic enzymes including proteases, nucleases, and lipases.
They require an acidic internal environment, maintained by active proton pumps (H+ pumps) in their membrane.
They are heavily involved in autophagy (self-eating), phagocytosis, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Efficient recycling of nutrients from old or damaged cell parts.
Defense mechanism by destroying engulfed pathogens and bacteria.
Accidental or uncontrolled leakage of lysosomal enzymes into the cytoplasm can cause widespread cellular destruction or contribute to diseases like arthritis and lysosomal storage disorders.
Embryonic tissue remodeling, such as the disappearance of a tadpole's tail during metamorphosis.
Intracellular digestion and immune defense by white blood cells.
Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound structures responsible for protein synthesis.
Mitochondria are designated as the 'powerhouse of the cell' because they generate ATP through cellular respiration.
Golgi apparatus acts as the packaging and shipping center of the cell for proteins and lipids.
B is correct тАФ Lysosomes are known as the 'suicide bags' of the cell because they contain hydrolytic enzymes capable of digesting the entire cell when ruptured.
Make sure to clearly distinguish between the functions of cell organelles like mitochondria (energy production), ribosomes (protein synthesis), and lysosomes (waste digestion) as they are frequently tested in RRB JE and competitive exams.