Question

Which of the following organelles would be more active in white blood cells during a bacterial infection? a. Golgi apparatus d. endoplasmic reticulum b. lysosomes e. peroxisomes c. mitochondria

Short answer

Lysosomes

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Role of White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs) are responsible for the body's immune response, including the destruction of pathogens such as bacteria.

Identify Key Functions of Each Organelle

Review the primary functions of each listed organelle: - Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.- Endoplasmic reticulum: Synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).- Lysosomes: Break down waste materials and cellular debris using enzymes.- Peroxisomes: Break down fatty acids and produce hydrogen peroxide.- Mitochondria: Produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Determine the Most Relevant Organelle

In the context of a bacterial infection, WBCs need to destroy pathogens. The lysosomes are the organelles that contain digestive enzymes specifically for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, including bacteria. Therefore, lysosomes would be highly active during a bacterial infection.

Key concepts

Organelles

In the context of cellular biology, organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes. Each organelle has a unique function, much like different departments in a factory.
For example:

• The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
• The endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins and lipids.
• Lysosomes break down waste materials using enzymes.
• Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and produce hydrogen peroxide.
• Mitochondria generate energy (ATP) through respiration.

Each of these organelles plays a crucial role in maintaining cell health and function. Understanding their roles helps us grasp how cells handle various tasks, including responding to infections.

Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade the body. These bacteria can disrupt normal bodily functions and cause disease. White blood cells (WBCs) are the body’s frontline defenders against such infections.
When bacteria enter the body, the immune system kicks into high gear. WBCs identify, engulf, and destroy the invading pathogens. This process is crucial for stopping the infection and preventing it from spreading.
Symptoms of bacterial infections can vary but often include fever, inflammation, and pain. Immediate and effective response by WBCs is essential to counter these infections and restore health.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are small, membrane-bound organelles filled with enzymes that can break down many types of biomolecules. They are sometimes referred to as the cell's 'digestive system'. These powerful enzymes can break down proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.
During a bacterial infection, lysosomes in white blood cells become extremely active. When a WBC engulfs a bacterium, a lysosome fuses with the vesicle containing the bacterium and releases its enzymes to digest and destroy the invading pathogen.
This digestive process is essential for clearing infections and keeping the body healthy. The efficiency of lysosomes ensures that white blood cells can quickly respond to and neutralize bacterial threats.

Immune System

The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. It is composed of various cells, tissues, and organs that work together to identify and eliminate threats.
White blood cells (WBCs) play a central role. Types of WBCs, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are especially effective at engulfing and destroying bacteria.
The immune response involves:

• Recognition of foreign invaders.
• Activation of immune cells.
• Elimination of pathogens.
• Memory formation to respond faster to future infections.

A robust immune system is crucial for survival, efficiently protecting the body against illness and disease. Proper functioning of organelles, such as lysosomes, contributes significantly to the immune system's capability to fight infections.