Multiple Choice
In eukaryotic cells, which organelle is primarily responsible for eliminating intracellular waste by degrading macromolecules and damaged organelles using hydrolytic enzymes?
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13. Intracellular Protein Transport
Lysosomal and Degradation Pathways
Multiple Choice
In a eukaryotic cell, what is the most likely consequence if lysosomes are absent or nonfunctional?
A
Enhanced secretion of proteins because the Golgi apparatus becomes more acidic and degrades cargo faster
B
Accumulation of undegraded macromolecules and damaged organelles due to impaired intracellular digestion and autophagy
C
Complete loss of protein synthesis because ribosomes require lysosomal enzymes to function
D
Increased ATP production because mitochondria take over hydrolytic degradation
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the primary function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells: they contain hydrolytic enzymes responsible for breaking down macromolecules, damaged organelles, and cellular debris through processes like intracellular digestion and autophagy.
Recognize that if lysosomes are absent or nonfunctional, the cell loses its main mechanism for degrading and recycling these materials, leading to their accumulation inside the cell.
Evaluate the incorrect options by considering cellular processes: the Golgi apparatus does not become more acidic due to lysosome dysfunction, ribosomes do not depend on lysosomal enzymes for protein synthesis, and mitochondria do not compensate by increasing ATP production to degrade macromolecules.
Conclude that the most likely consequence is the buildup of undegraded macromolecules and damaged organelles, which can impair cell function and viability.
Summarize that lysosomal dysfunction disrupts autophagy and intracellular digestion, causing cellular waste to accumulate rather than being properly recycled.
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