Question

Lysosomes are known as ‘suicidal bags’ of the cell. Which of the following statements justify the given fact?
A. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes
B. Lysosomes contain hormones
C. Hydrolytic enzymes digest all cell debris
D. Both A and C

Answer 1

Hint: The lysosomal vesicles have an internal pH value of 4-5 and are filled with digestive enzymes. They are also known as a scavenger of the cell. Lysosomes were discovered by Christian de Duve.

Complete answer:
The lysosomes are known as suicidal bags or recycling centers or scavengers of cells because of the following properties:
-The lysosomal vesicles contain almost 40 different types of hydrolases, for example, lipases, carbohydrases, proteases, etc. These digestive enzymes help digestion of cellular debris.
-The pH inside lysosomal vesicles is very acidic and this pH is maintained by the proton pumps present in the lysosomal membrane.
-In case any damage occurs to the cells and it is unable to properly function the lysosomal vacuoles digest the cell from inside out. This is known as autophagy. The cell component itself destroys the cells or causes self-death, this is why they are called suicidal bags.

Additional Information: -Primary lysosomes: These are the first formed or newest lysosomes. They are synthesized by the Golgi apparatus. The GERL system is involved in its synthesis.
-Secondary Lysosomes: When a primary lysosome fuses with a food vacuole it forms a secondary lysosome or phagolysosome.
-Tertiary Lysosome: The phagolysosome after it has digested the food present inside it is referred to as the tertiary lysosome or residual bodies. They help in exocytosis of undigested substances.
-Autophagosome: This type of lysosomes is formed when several primary lysosomes unite and are responsible for cell death and also digestion of damaged cell organelles.

So, the correct answer is, “ lysosomes are known as ‘suicidal bags’ of the cell because they contain hydrolytic enzymes and these hydrolytic enzymes digest all cell debris.”

Note: It should be remembered that the lysosomes are the smallest membrane-bound vesicles, formed by the Golgi apparatus. Their cell membrane is single-layered. Lysosomes are not present in all cells, they are absent in RBCs, prokaryotic cells, and cells of higher complex autotrophs. Present in abundance inside WBC, Kupffer cells, liver cells, etc.