Question

The organelle that contains digestive enzymes is a. the mitochondrion. b. the lysosome. c. the endoplasmic reticulum. d. the Golgi complex.

Short answer

b. the lysosome.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the options

Let us briefly describe each organelle and their main functions. a. The mitochondrion: This organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell because it generates most of the cell's energy (in the form of ATP molecules). It is not involved in the digestion of cellular material. b. The lysosome: This organelle contains many different digestive enzymes that help break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders in the cell. Its main function is to help with cellular digestion and waste disposal. c. The endoplasmic reticulum: This organelle has two types (smooth and rough). The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism, while the rough endoplasmic reticulum is covered with ribosomes and helps synthesize proteins. They are not associated with cellular digestion. d. The Golgi complex: This organelle is involved in the modification, packaging, and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell. It is not involved in the digestion of cellular material.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the functions of each organelle mentioned in Step 1, it is clear that the organelle containing digestive enzymes is the lysosome. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b). Answer: b. the lysosome.