[Campbell Biology P.157] Tay-Sachs disease is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in... | Practice Question

Tay-Sachs disease is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in brain cells due to a missing or inactive lipid-digesting enzyme. Based on the function of lysosomes, what is the most likely cellular consequence of this enzyme deficiency?

  • A: The Golgi apparatus will fail to modify and sort lipids correctly.
  • B: Lysosomes will become engorged with undigested lipids, impairing cellular function.
  • C: The endoplasmic reticulum will overproduce the missing enzyme, leading to cellular stress.
  • D: The cell's ability to absorb water will be significantly reduced, leading to dehydration.

Explanation

The text states: 'The cells of people with inherited lysosomal storage diseases lack a functioning hydrolytic enzyme normally present in lysosomes. The lysosomes become engorged with indigestible material, which begins to interfere with other cellular activities. In Tay-Sachs disease, for example, a lipid-digesting enzyme is missing or inactive, and the brain becomes impaired by an accumulation of lipids in the cells.' This directly supports option B.