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General Science • BiologyMedium

Which organelle in eukaryotic cells is known as the suicidal bag of the cell due to the presence of powerful hydrolytic enzymes capable of digesting cellular components?

A. Ribosome
B. Lysosome✓ Correct Answer
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Endoplasmic reticulum

💡 Solution & Explanation

Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicular organelles containing a dense assortment of acid hydrolase enzymes operating at low internal pH that break down macromolecules, worn-out cell organelles, and foreign invaders. When a cell is damaged or undergoes programmed cell death, lysosomes rupture and release their digestive enzymes into the cytoplasm, digesting the entire cell, earning them the term suicidal bags. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, whereas Golgi bodies package cellular secretions. Christian de Duve discovered lysosomes.

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