Final answer:
Membrane-enclosed structures within eukaryotic cells that perform specific functions, such as mitochondria and lysosomes, are called organelles. Mitochondria provide energy, while lysosomes handle digestion of waste within the cell. The correct term for these subcellular structures is organelles, making the correct answer to the question C) Organelles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subcellular structures such as mitochondria and lysosomes are part of complex cells known as eukaryotic cells. These organelles are enclosed within a membrane and each performs a specific function essential to the cell's life. For instance, mitochondria are often termed the powerhouses of the cell since they provide energy through the process of cellular respiration. On the other hand, lysosomes are involved in digestion within the cell, breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
These subcellular structures, including others such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, ensure that eukaryotic cells can carry out a variety of functions that are compartmentalized within the cell. This compartmentalization allows for more complex and efficient processes compared to prokaryotic cells, which lack such structured organelles. The integrity and functionality of eukaryotic cells depend heavily on the precise operation of each organelle.
When referring to membrane-enclosed structures that perform specific functions within the eukaryotic cell, the correct term is organelles. Therefore, the correct answer to the student’s question is C) Organelles.