Final answer:
The statement that lysosomes perform digestive functions within a cell is true. These organelles contain digestive enzymes that break down biological molecules and worn-out organelles, digest pathogens, and can cause controlled cell death through apoptosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles in animal cells, often described as the cell's “garbage disposal.” The statement that lysosomes perform digestive functions within a cell is true. Inside these organelles, powerful digestive enzymes catalyze the breakdown of various biological molecules, such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids. They also play a crucial role in degrading worn-out organelles through a process called autophagy.
Lysosomes contain approximately 40 different hydrolytic enzymes, like lipases, proteases, and nucleases, which allow them to break down nearly all types of organic polymers. This functionality is not just limited to the recycling of cellular material but also extends to the destruction of pathogens through phagocytosis. When a macrophage engulfs a pathogen, it is contained in a structure called a phagosome, which fuses with a lysosome, where the pathogen is then digested and neutralized.
Moreover, lysosomes can induce a controlled cell death process known as apoptosis through autolysis, which occurs when they release their enzymes into the cytoplasm, thereby causing the cell to self-destruct. Discovered by Belgian scientist Christian de Duve in the 1960s, lysosomes are a vital part of the endomembrane system and are integral to maintaining cellular health and defense mechanisms.