Asbestos is a material that was extensively used in construction for decades. One risk from working in a building that contains asbestos is the development of asbestosis caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Cells will take up asbestos by phagocytosis, but are not able to degrade it. Toxicity most likely results from accumulation of asbestos in which of the following organelles?
A) the Golgi apparatus
B) nuclei
C) peroxisomes
D) lysosomes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, are engulfed by phagocytes through phagocytosis but cannot be degraded by these cells. The indigestible fibers accumulate in the lysosomes, causing damage and leading to cellular toxicity. This is because lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, and their failure to degrade asbestos fibers results in toxicity and inflammation.

Asbestos Is a Material That Was Extensively Used in Construction