Humber Admissions Practice Test

What is the function of lysosomes?

1. Protein modification

2. Digestive processes

3. Lipid synthesis

4. Nuclear transport

The correct answer is: Digestive processes

Lysosomes play a crucial role in the digestive processes within a cell. These organelles contain powerful enzymes that are responsible for breaking down various types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This function is vital for cellular maintenance and recycling, allowing the cell to remove waste and recycle components for reuse. Lysosomes are often referred to as the "stomach" of the cell because they digest and process material taken in by the cell through actions such as endocytosis, as well as damaged or obsolete organelles via autophagy. In contrast, the other functions such as protein modification and lipid synthesis are carried out by different organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Meanwhile, nuclear transport involves the movement of molecules into and out of the nucleus, a function primarily managed by the nuclear envelope and the nuclear pore complex. Thus, the function of lysosomes as digestive organelles is key to maintaining cellular health and homeostasis.