What takes place in a lysosome?
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A
Ribosomes are made.
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B
Food is produced.
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C
Water is stored.
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D
Food is digested.
Food is digested in a lysosome.
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that function as the digestive system of the cell. They contain powerful hydrolytic enzymes that break down large biological molecules, damaged cell parts, and invading microorganisms. This process allows the cell to recycle useful materials and remove waste, maintaining normal cellular function and survival.
A) Ribosomes are made
Ribosomes are assembled in the nucleolus, which is a structure inside the nucleus. The nucleolus produces ribosomal RNA and combines it with proteins to form ribosomal subunits. Lysosomes do not participate in ribosome production, so this option is incorrect.
B) Food is produced
Food production occurs in chloroplasts during photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Lysosomes do not synthesize food molecules; instead, they break them down. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
C) Water is stored
Water storage mainly occurs in vacuoles, especially the large central vacuole found in plant cells. Lysosomes are not storage organelles for water and do not regulate cellular water balance. This option is incorrect.
D) Food is digested
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes such as proteases, lipases, nucleases, and carbohydrases. These enzymes break down food particles taken into the cell by endocytosis, as well as old or damaged organelles in a process called autophagy. This intracellular digestion provides raw materials for reuse by the cell and helps prevent the buildup of toxic waste. This makes this option correct.
Conclusion
Lysosomes are specialized for intracellular digestion and waste removal. They break down food molecules and cellular debris using powerful enzymes. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Food is digested.

Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipWhat is the primary function of a lysosome?
Intracellular digestion—breaking down biomolecules, old organelles, and pathogens.
What term describes the process where a lysosome breaks down a damaged mitochondrion?
Autophagy ("self-eating").
Where in the cell are ribosomes primarily assembled?
The nucleolus (inside the nucleus). Lysosomes are not involved.
What is the common name for the powerful hydrolytic enzymes found inside lysosomes?
Acid hydrolases (they function best at an acidic pH).
Which organelle in a plant cell has a storage function that lysosomes do not have?
The central vacuole (stores water, ions, pigments). Lysosomes are for digestion, not storage.