[Campbell Biology P.149] A cell specialist observes that a particular animal cell type is hi... | Practice Question

A cell specialist observes that a particular animal cell type is highly efficient at breaking down worn-out organelles and recycling their components. Which organelle would you expect to be particularly abundant and active in this cell type, and why?

  • A: Peroxisome, because it produces and converts hydrogen peroxide.
  • B: Ribosome, because it makes proteins.
  • C: Lysosome, because it is a digestive organelle where macromolecules are hydrolyzed.
  • D: Centrosome, because it initiates microtubules.

Explanation

The lysosome is explicitly defined as a 'digestive organelle where macromolecules are hydrolyzed'. This function directly relates to the breakdown of worn-out cellular components and recycling their constituent macromolecules, making it abundant and active in cells specializing in such processes.