Lysosomes and Cell Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the chief function of lysosomes?

Releasing calcium ions into the blood
Ingesting bacteria, viruses, and toxins
Synthesizing new cell-building materials
Destroying all kinds of biomolecules including fats, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and cellular debris (correct)

Where are the hydrolytic enzymes in lysosomes manufactured?

Cytoplasm
Endoplasmic reticulum (correct)
Endosomes
Golgi apparatus

What can excessive leakage from a large number of lysosomes result in?

Enhanced cell growth
Formation of new organelles
Cell destruction by auto-digestion (correct)
Increased cellular energy production

How is the pH of endosomes lowered to less than 6?

<p>Active pumping of H ions into the interior (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules do lysosomal acidic hydrolytic enzymes break down?

<p>Carbohydrates and lipids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the primary function of lysosomes?

Lysosomes are organelles responsible for breaking down various biomolecules, including fats, sugars, proteins, and nucleic acids. They also digest cellular debris, essentially acting as the cell's recycling center.

Where are lysosomal enzymes made?

Hydrolytic enzymes, essential for breaking down molecules within lysosomes, are produced by the endoplasmic reticulum, a network of membranes within the cell.

What happens if lysosomes leak excessively?

If too many lysosomes leak their contents, the cell can be destroyed by the release of their powerful digestive enzymes, leading to self-destruction.

How do endosomes become acidic?

Endosomes, small compartments that transport materials within the cell, become acidic by actively pumping hydrogen ions (H+) into their interior. This low pH environment (less than 6) is essential for lysosomal enzymes to work effectively.

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What do lysosomal enzymes break down?

Lysosomal enzymes are specialized proteins that can break down complex molecules like carbohydrates and lipids into simpler units. They function best in acidic environments, making the acidic environment within lysosomes crucial for their activity.

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Study Notes

Lysosomes Function and Characteristics

Chief function of lysosomes is to break down waste materials and cellular debris through enzymatic digestion.
Hydrolytic enzymes within lysosomes are manufactured in the endoplasmic reticulum and processed through the Golgi apparatus.
Excessive leakage from a large number of lysosomes can lead to cellular damage or cell death, due to uncontrolled release of hydrolytic enzymes into the cytoplasm.
The pH of endosomes is lowered to less than 6 by the activity of proton pumps that transport hydrogen ions into the endosome.
Lysosomal acidic hydrolytic enzymes break down various types of biological macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.