Question

Imagine that a cell had problems digesting materials and getting rid of waste in the cell, and chemicals were starting to poison it. Which organelle would not be doing its job?

a) Nucleus
b) Mitochondria
c) Lysosome
d) Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 1

The organelle responsible for digesting materials and removing waste in a cell is the lysosome, which acts as the cell's "garbage disposal".

Step-by-step explanation:

If a cell is having problems with digesting materials and getting rid of waste, leading to chemicals poisoning the cell, the organelle that is likely not performing its function properly is the lysosome. Lysosomes are considered the cell's "garbage disposal"; they contain enzymes that break down proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and worn-out organelles. These enzymes function at a much lower pH than the cytoplasm, making the environment inside the lysosomes more acidic.

In the context of the immune system, lysosomes play a crucial role in cells such as macrophages, which ingest and digest many pathogens. Furthermore, in plant cells, where lysosomes are not commonly found, the process of digesting materials is carried out by vacuoles. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (c) Lysosome.