Question

As they release hydrolase that digest old and damaged cells, the term suicide bags is aptly used by cell biologists for sulide ba (a) Golgi bodies (b) lysosomes (c) glyoxysomes (d) peroxisomes.

Short answer

The term 'suicide bags' refers to (b) lysosomes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the function of the organelles

Each organelle listed has a different function in the cell. Golgi bodies are involved in packaging and transporting proteins, lysosomes contain digestive enzymes called hydrolases that break down waste materials and cellular debris, glyoxysomes are involved in the conversion of fat into sugars, and peroxisomes contain enzymes that detoxify various molecules.

Identify the organelle with the described function

Based on the description given in the exercise, which mentions the release of hydrolase and the digestion of old and damaged cells, the correct organelle is the one that contains digestive enzymes.

Choose the correct answer

From the provided options, lysosomes are the organelles that release hydrolase to digest old and damaged cells. Therefore, they are often referred to by cell biologists as 'suicide bags.'

Key concepts

Cell Organelles

Cell organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct and vital functions, much like the organs in our body. Think of them as tiny factories, each with its own role, coming together to ensure the cell operates smoothly. These organelles include, but are not limited to, the nucleus, which is the control center; the mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell; and the endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in both protein and lipid synthesis.

The organelle in the spotlight here, however, is the lysosome. Lysosomes are small, spherical organelles that contain powerful digestive enzymes capable of breaking down various types of biological molecules, an essential process in the maintenance and survival of the cell. They can be likened to a recycling center, where waste is degraded and either disposed of or repurposed. This capacity to disassemble cellular debris and even entire organelles is why lysosomes are sometimes referred to as ‘suicide bags’ by cell biologists.

Enzymes in Cells

Enzymes are the catalysts of the cell, speeding up chemical reactions that would otherwise occur at a much slower rate. These protein molecules are crucial for life, as they facilitate just about every metabolic process within the cell. Enzymes are highly specialized; each type is tailored to a specific reaction or group of reactions.

In the context of lysosomes, the enzymes we focus on are hydrolases. Hydrolases specialize in cleaving chemical bonds through the addition of water, a process known as hydrolysis. The enzymes inside lysosomes use this mechanism to break down various substances, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Thanks to these enzymes, cells can recycle molecules and make them available for the construction of new cellular components, effectively turning biological waste into valuable resources.

Cellular Digestion

Cellular digestion is a process essential to a cell's health and its capacity for renewal. Through this internal digestive system, cells can dispose of waste and breakdown materials that are no longer functional or potentially harmful. This 'digestive process' happens in the lysosomes, where macromolecules are broken down into smaller units that can be reused or expelled from the cell.

During this digestion, the lysosomes fuse with other vesicles that contain the materials to be broken down, such as damaged cell parts or pathogens engulfed by the cell. This merger creates a perfect environment where the potent hydrolases can go to work, safely contained within the lysosome's boundary to prevent damage to the rest of the cell. The systematic decomposition of cellular matter inside the lysosome is a testament to the cell's remarkable self-maintaining capabilities and highlights the importance of cellular digestion in sustaining cellular life.