Question

The "garbage and recycling center" of the cell - contains enzymes to breakdown large molecules and return them to the cell (digestive function iN ANIMALS, PLANTS, and FUNGI)

a.) nucleus
b.) ribosomes
c.) endoplasmic reticulum
d.) golgi apparatus
e.) lysosomes
f.) vacuoles
g.) mitochondria
h.) chloroplasts
i.) cytoskeleton

Answer 1

The lysosomes serve as the "garbage and recycling center" of the cell, containing enzymes that break down large molecules and recycle cellular components across animal, plant, and fungal cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lysosomes are known as the "garbage and recycling center" of the cell, where they function to break down large molecules and return essential components back to the cell for reuse. This process is comparable to a digestive function and is present in animal cells, as well as plant cells, and fungi, although in plant cells, the digestive processes are predominantly conducted within vacuoles. Lysosomes contain approximately 40 different types of hydrolytic enzymes, such as lipases, proteases, and nucleases, which are all actively engaged in the degradation of various organic polymers. These enzymes operate at a lower pH level compared to the cytoplasm, rendering the environment inside the lysosomes more acidic, which is crucial for their digestive activity. The breakdown facilitated by lysosomes includes proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and worn-out organelles, effectively managing the cell's waste and recycling processes.