Several biological processes are catalysed by enzymes. Digestive enzymes are present in which part of the cell?

The correct answer is Lysosomes.

Key Points

• Lysosomes are small organelles found in eukaryotic cells, often referred to as the cell's "digestive system."
• They contain a variety of digestive enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, and nucleases, which help in breaking down macromolecules like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
• The digestive enzymes within lysosomes function optimally at an acidic pH, which is maintained by proton pumps located in the lysosomal membrane.
• The primary role of lysosomes is to degrade cellular waste and recycle cellular components through processes like autophagy (self-eating) and endocytosis (engulfing materials from outside the cell).
• The enzymes in lysosomes are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and are transported to lysosomes via the Golgi apparatus.
• Lysosomal dysfunction can lead to various diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher's disease, which are caused by the accumulation of undigested substances.
• Lysosomes are often termed as "suicidal bags" of the cell because they release enzymes that can digest the cell itself when it is damaged or no longer functional.

Additional Information

• Ribosome
  • Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in the cell.
  • They are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
  • Ribosomes can be found either free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
  • Unlike lysosomes, ribosomes do not contain digestive enzymes.
• Golgi Complex
  • The Golgi complex is responsible for modifying, packaging, and transporting proteins and lipids.
  • It plays a crucial role in the formation of lysosomes by packaging enzymes into vesicles.
  • It does not directly participate in digestion but aids in the transport of enzymes to lysosomes.
• Mitochondria
  • Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell.
  • They are responsible for generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through the process of cellular respiration.
  • They do not contain digestive enzymes and are not involved in cellular digestion.