Question

An organelle that breaks down amino acids, fatty acids, and toxic substances is the

1) peroxisome
2) Golgi body
3) mitochondrion
4) lysosome
5) smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 1

The organelle responsible for breaking down amino acids, fatty acids, and toxic substances is the peroxisome, which contains enzymes that safely break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen as part of the detoxification process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The organelle that breaks down amino acids, fatty acids, and toxic substances is the peroxisome. Peroxisomes are small, spherical organelles enclosed by single membranes. They perform essential functions including oxidation reactions that break down fatty acids and amino acids. These organelles are also crucial for the detoxification of harmful substances that may enter the body. For instance, peroxisomes in liver cells are involved in detoxifying alcohol. A byproduct of the oxidation reactions they perform is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which could be damaging if it were not contained within the peroxisomes. Peroxisomes contain enzymes that safely convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby preventing cellular damage.