Lysosomes are organelles responsible for the breakdown of macromolecules.Why is it useful to have the lysosomal reactions compartmentalized,rather than allowing them to take place freely in the cytoplasm of the cell?
A) The lysosome's enzymes would break down cellular macromolecules that should remain intact.
B) If these reactions took place in the cytoplasm, their host cells would become prokaryotic.
C) The presence of lysosomes allows vesicles to form more quickly.
D) The absence of lysosomes would cause the vacuoles of animal cells to burst.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If lysosomal reactions took place freely in the cytoplasm, the enzymes would break down not only cellular macromolecules that need to remain intact but also essential cellular structures, leading to cell death. The compartmentalization of lysosomal reactions in lysosomes prevents them from damaging other cellular structures.

Lysosomes Are Organelles Responsible for the Breakdown of Macromolecules