Which organelle contains digestive enzymes and is involved in waste processing, commonly found in animal cells?

• A. Lysosome
• B. Peroxisome
• C. Vacuole
• D. Ribosome

Answer: (A)

Lysosomes are the cell’s digestive and waste-processing centers in animal cells. They are membrane-bound sacs filled with hydrolytic enzymes that break down proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, recycling worn-out organelles through autophagy and digesting material taken up by endocytosis. The enzymes work best in an acidic interior, which is maintained by proton pumps in the lysosome membrane to protect the rest of the cell from damage. Other organelles have different roles: peroxisomes focus on breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying hydrogen peroxide, vacuoles mainly store substances (and help maintain cell pressure in plants), and ribosomes synthesize proteins.