Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

5. Cell Components

Endomembrane System: Digestive Organelles

General Biology

5. Cell Components

Endomembrane System: Digestive Organelles

Previous problemNext problem

1:13 minutes

Problem 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 guidance

1. Enzyme Deficiency: Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. If these enzymes are deficient or not functioning properly, the lysosomes will not be able to digest the material. This could be due to a genetic disorder, such as a lysosomal storage disease, where the body doesn't produce enough of a specific enzyme.

2. Membrane Damage: The lysosome is surrounded by a membrane that keeps the digestive enzymes separate from the rest of the cell. If this membrane is damaged, the enzymes could leak out and damage the cell, or the undigested material could escape into the cell. This could be caused by physical damage, exposure to toxins, or infection.

3. pH Imbalance: The inside of a lysosome is acidic, which is necessary for the enzymes to function. If the pH balance is off, the enzymes may not work properly. This could be due to a problem with the cell's proton pumps, which are responsible for maintaining the acidic environment.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lysosomal Function

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. They play a crucial role in cellular homeostasis by recycling macromolecules and removing damaged organelles. Proper lysosomal function is essential for maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of undigested materials.

Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies within lysosomes. These deficiencies lead to the accumulation of undigested substrates, resulting in cellular dysfunction and various clinical symptoms. Examples include Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher's disease, which highlight the importance of specific enzymes for lysosomal activity.

Autophagy

Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components through lysosomes. It is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, especially during stress conditions. Defects in autophagy can lead to the accumulation of damaged organelles and proteins, contributing to lysosomal dysfunction and the buildup of undigested materials.

Previous problemNext problem

5:38m