Question

Observe the given figure and answer the questions given below.

Which fraction would probably show the greatest amount of hydrolytic enzyme activity? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer 1

The fraction C is centrifuged at the speed of 15,000 g. The lysosomes gets separated when centrifugation is carried out at the speed of 10,000 - 20,000 g for 15 - 20 minutes. The lysosomes are called as suicidal bags. These organelles contain hydrolytic enzymes like proteases, lyases, hydrolyases, oxidases, glycosidases, etc. These enzymes helps in destruction of various toxic compounds as well as the foreign particles or microorganisms which enter the cell. The enzymes can be used for the breakdown of all kinds of biomolecules. The enzymes can also help in the destruction and clearance of the cellular debris. So, the fraction C will show maximum hydrolytic activity.