Question

Why is it important that the inside of a lysosome have a lower pH than the surrounding cytoplasm in the cell? Answer The digestive enzymes in the lysosome work best at a lower pH. The protein molecules constructed in the lysosome form best at a lower pH. The substances stored in a lysosome are most stable at a lower pH. The waste products stored in the lysosome require a lower pH.

Answer 1

The answer is; The digestive enzymes in the lysosome work best at a lower pH.

The hydrolytic enzymes in the lysosomes are also referred to as acid hydrolases. They break down larger polymers into their constituent building blocks and work optimally at lower pH. The low pH in the vesicles is also an evolved double protection of the cell to prevent uncontrolled digestion of the cell content even if the vesicles were to burst. The lysosomal enzyme would not work at neutral pH of the cell.

Answer 2

The answer is The substances stored in a lysosome are most stable at a lower pH.

The lysosome is spherical membrane-bound organelle. In the lysosome, there are many hydrolytic enzymes which role is to break down different kind of molecules. The pH inside of the lysosome is low (acidic: 4.5 - 5.0) which is optimal for enzymes. Also, there are substances involved in energy metabolism, cell signaling, etc. Therefore, the lower pH is important for the stability of all of these substances stored in the lysosome.