Question

Which of the following labilisers found on membrane of lysosome?

• A. Cortisone and cortisol
• B. Cholesterol and heparin
• C. Testosterone and progesterone
• D. Cholesterol and progesterone

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Testosterone and progesterone

The dispersed spherical structures in the cytoplasm which are bounded by a single unit membrane are known as lysosomes. These contain the hydrolysing enzyme which is incapable of digesting their own membrane because the membrane is highly modified; moreover, the enzymes are rendered inactive by electrostatic binding forces. Lysosomal membranes are sensitive to many labilisers and stabilizers. Vitamins like A, B, K and hormones like progesterone, B-esterdiol and some metal ions like $A{g}^{2+}$, $H{g}^{2+}$, Cu${}^{2+}$ labilize the membrane and allow the enzymes to diffuse out. But cholesterol, cortisones, etc stabilize the membranes. Thus, intracellular conditions control and regulate the release of the lysosomal enzymes into the cellular fluid.