A Level Biology Practice Exam

What type of enzymes do lysosomes contain?

1. Oxidative enzymes for energy production

2. Hydrolytic enzymes for waste breakdown

3. Proteolytic enzymes for protein synthesis

4. Lipolytic enzymes for fat digestion

The correct answer is: Hydrolytic enzymes for waste breakdown

Lysosomes are cellular organelles that play a crucial role in intracellular digestion and waste management. They contain hydrolytic enzymes that are specialized for breaking down various biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. These enzymes function optimally in the acidic environment found within lysosomes, allowing the cell to effectively degrade and recycle cellular waste, foreign substances, and damaged organelles. The presence of hydrolytic enzymes enables lysosomes to perform essential processes such as autophagy, where the cell cleans out damaged components, and endocytosis, where extracellular material is brought into the cell for degradation. This breakdown not only helps in recycling cellular components but also in defending against pathogens by degrading engulfed foreign particles. In contrast, the other types of enzymes mentioned are associated with different cellular functions: oxidative enzymes are involved in energy production through cellular respiration, proteolytic enzymes are oriented toward breaking down proteins rather than synthesizing them, and lipolytic enzymes specifically target the digestion of fats rather than the broader waste breakdown that lysosomes perform.