Why are lysosomes important to the health of cells?(1 point)
Responses
They allow cell organelles to move freely through the cell as needed.
They allow cell organelles to move freely through the cell as needed.
They break down worn-out cell parts that are no longer needed.
They break down worn-out cell parts that are no longer needed.
They create cell boundaries and make cells rigid.
They create cell boundaries and make cells rigid.
They move proteins around the cell.
They break down worn-out cell parts that are no longer needed.
Which of the following organelles provide structure and rigidity to a plant cell?(1 point)
Responses
cell wall
cell wall
ribosome
ribosome
cell membrane
cell membrane
chloroplast
cell wall
Cell Structures Quick Check
3 of 53 of 5 Items
Question
What would happen to a plant if the chloroplasts in its cells became damaged?(1 point)
Responses
The plant would be unable to reproduce.
The plant would be unable to reproduce.
The plant would be unable to make protein.
The plant would be unable to make protein.
The plant would not make glucose and oxygen.
The plant would not make glucose and oxygen.
The plant would not have a rigid structure.
The plant would not make glucose and oxygen.
Cell Structures Quick Check
4 of 54 of 5 Items
Question
Using your understanding of the function of chloroplasts and specialized cells, infer why plant root cells lack chloroplasts.(1 point)
Responses
Root cells have two central vacuoles.
Root cells have two central vacuoles.
Root cells have many mitochondria.
Root cells have many mitochondria.
Roots require fewer nutrients.
Roots require fewer nutrients.
Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight.
Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight.
What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?(1 point)
Responses
Prokaryotes lack a cell membrane on the outside.
Prokaryotes lack a cell membrane on the outside.
Prokaryotes use RNA instead of DNA.
Prokaryotes use RNA instead of DNA.
Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotes lack ribosomes to make proteins.
Prokaryotes lack ribosomes to make proteins.
Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.
The correct answer is: They break down worn-out cell parts that are no longer needed.
Lysosomes are important organelles found in cells that contain enzymes capable of breaking down various cellular components, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and organelles. They act as the recycling centers of the cell, breaking down cellular waste, old or damaged organelles, and foreign substances that enter the cell.
To determine the importance of lysosomes to the health of cells, we can look at the function they perform. One way to understand the function is by studying the process of autophagy. Autophagy is the cellular process where lysosomes target and break down damaged or non-functional organelles, as well as intracellular debris, which removes unnecessary and potentially harmful components from the cell. This process helps maintain cellular homeostasis and prevents the accumulation of toxic substances.
Additionally, lysosomes play a crucial role in the digestion and recycling of cellular components. When a cell undergoes nutrient deprivation, lysosomes fuse with endosomes and phagosomes, forming autophagosomes. These autophagosomes then transport cellular components to lysosomes for breakdown and recycling. This process provides the cell with essential nutrients required for survival during times of stress or starvation.
In conclusion, lysosomes are key to the health of cells because they break down worn-out cell parts and cellular waste, regulate cellular homeostasis, and provide necessary nutrients during nutrient scarcity.