Final answer:
Lysosomes are the organelles most responsible for cell destruction due to their hydrolytic enzymes that degrade cellular components and pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organelle expected to play the largest role in total cell destruction is lysosomes. These membrane-bound structures contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down various particles, including damaged organelles, microorganisms, and cellular debris. In terms of cellular defense, lysosomes are essential in white blood cells, such as macrophages, due to their capability of destroying pathogens through phagocytosis. When macrophages ingest foreign invaders, they form a vesicle that then fuses with a lysosome, whose enzymes proceed to degrade the invader, protecting the organism from disease.
In the context of cell death, autophagy is a process where lysosomes break down damaged cell components, which can lead to cell destruction if it continues unchecked. Therefore, if an organelle has to be linked with programmed cell death, or apoptosis, lysosomes would be among the primary candidates due to their ability to digest cellular components effectively.