MCAT Biology

Category - Biology

If a cell’s lysosomes were damaged, which of the following would most likely occur?
  1. The cell would produce more proteins than it needs.
  2. The cell would have chloroplasts that appear yellow rather than green.
  3. The cell would be less able to break down molecules in its cytoplasm.
  4. The cell would be less able to regulate the amount of fluid in its cytoplasm.
Explanation

Answer: C - The cell would be less able to break down molecules in its cytoplasm.

Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain digestive enzymes that help break down and recycle cellular waste, including molecules in the cytoplasm. If a cell's lysosomes were damaged, the digestive enzymes inside them would become less effective in breaking down these molecules. As a result, the cell would be less able to degrade and recycle cellular waste, leading to the accumulation of cellular debris within the cytoplasm. Over time, this accumulation could interfere with the cell's normal functioning and potentially contribute to cellular damage or disease. Additionally, suppose the lysosomal damage affects the degradation of specific macromolecules, such as lipids or carbohydrates. In that case, it could lead to specific metabolic deficiencies or imbalances that further impact the cell's health and function.

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