Multiple Choice
Which type of plant organelle often occupies the majority of the cell's volume?
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2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components
Endomembrane System: Digestive Organelles
1:13 minutesProblem 9
Textbook Question
When analyzing a sample of cells from a patient, you find the lysosomes are filled with undigested material. This observation makes you think that the lysosomes are not functioning properly. What are three different defects that could be responsible for malfunctioning lysosomes?
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the role of lysosomes in the cell, which is to break down waste materials and cellular debris using digestive enzymes.
Consider the possibility of a defect in the lysosomal membrane, which could prevent the proper fusion with vesicles containing material to be digested.
Evaluate the potential for a deficiency or malfunction in the enzymes within the lysosomes, which could result from genetic mutations affecting enzyme production or function.
Examine the transport mechanisms that deliver enzymes to the lysosomes, as defects in these pathways could lead to enzyme deficiencies within the lysosomes.
Consider the impact of a broader cellular issue, such as a problem with the endocytic pathway, which could affect the delivery of materials to the lysosomes for digestion.
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1mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of inherited metabolic conditions that result from enzyme deficiencies within lysosomes. These deficiencies prevent the breakdown of specific substrates, leading to their accumulation. Examples include Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher's disease, where undigested materials build up, causing cellular dysfunction and various health issues.
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Enzyme Deficiency
Enzyme deficiency refers to the lack of specific enzymes necessary for biochemical reactions within lysosomes. When these enzymes are absent or malfunctioning, the lysosomes cannot degrade waste materials effectively. This can result from genetic mutations, leading to conditions where substrates accumulate and disrupt normal cellular function.
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Autophagy Dysfunction
Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades and recycles cellular components, including damaged organelles and proteins, through lysosomes. Dysfunction in autophagy can lead to the accumulation of cellular debris and undigested materials in lysosomes. This can occur due to genetic mutations or environmental factors, contributing to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.
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