Question

What are the functions of lysosomes?

• A. Extracellular digestion, cellular digestion
• B. Digestion of foreign material
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both A and B

Lysosome is the smallest vesicle-like organelle containing hydrolytic enzymes. The functions of lysosomes are as follows-
(i) Extracellular digestion: Sometimes lysosomes enzymes are released outside the cell to break down extracellular material. So, they are known as digestive bags.
(ii) Digestion of foreign material: Lysosomes also destroy any foreign material inside the cell such as bacteria.
(iii) Cellular digestion: Lysosomes get ruptured and enzymes are released free in damaged cells, aging cells, dead cells or poorly working cell organelles to digest them. So, they are also known as suicide bags. In these processes, they remove the cell debris.
So, the correct answer is option C.