Which of the following has the job of breaking down materials in the cell?
Group of answer choices
Rough ER
Nucleus
Lysosome
Mitochondria
Ribosome
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Lysosome
The lysosome is the organelle responsible for breaking down materials within the cell. It is a membrane-bound sac filled with enzymes that can digest various biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Lysosomes are essential for cellular digestion and waste removal.
Inside the lysosome, there are powerful hydrolytic enzymes that work best in an acidic environment. When the cell engulfs food particles, damaged organelles, or invading microorganisms, these materials are often enclosed in a vesicle. The vesicle then fuses with a lysosome, and the enzymes break down the contents into simpler molecules. These molecules can be recycled and used again by the cell.
Lysosomes play an important role in maintaining the cell’s health. They help remove waste, damaged structures, and pathogens. If the lysosomes fail to function properly, waste and toxic materials can build up inside the cell, leading to diseases. One example of a disease caused by lysosome malfunction is Tay-Sachs disease, in which a particular enzyme is missing and harmful substances accumulate in nerve cells.
Although other organelles in the list have important roles, they do not perform the same function as lysosomes. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER) is involved in protein synthesis and modification. The nucleus stores the cell’s genetic information. The mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Ribosomes are the sites where proteins are built from amino acids.
In summary, lysosomes are crucial for breaking down and recycling materials inside the cell. Their role in digestion and waste management helps maintain cellular health and efficiency.