3.2.3 Food Vacuole Formation: The Role of the Lysosome

Question 1

lysosomes

Answer 1

• membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes. The term lysosome literally translates as “to break body.” The main function of lysosomes is to break down complex molecules in the cell into simpler subunits.
• originate as proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum and are then packaged in the Golgi apparatus.

Question 2

Cells use lysosomes to break down substances:

Answer 2

• Lysosomes break down molecules enclosed in food vacuoles. A lysosome fuses with food vacuoles and its enzymes break down the food item.
• Lysosomes have the ability to break down defective organelles or the cells of an organism undergoing a metamorphic change.

Question 3

phagocytosis

Answer 3

• engulfing extracellular particles by surrounding them with extensions of the plasma membrane.

Question 4

tay-sachs

Answer 4

• a fatal disease in humans caused by the defective lysosomal enzyme, hexosaminadase, responsible for breaking down lipids in the brain.

Question 5

The role of lysosomes in phagocytosis is to

Answer 5

• fuse with other vacuoles to aid in the digestion of macromolecules

Question 6

Lysosomes are vesicles formed by the

Answer 6

• Golgi apparatus

Question 7

True or false?

Lysosomes are vesicles formed by the ER and Golgi apparatus.

Answer 7

• true

Question 8

Food vacuoles

Answer 8

• may form from both endocytosis and phagocytosis

Question 9

The cellular organelle that contains hydrolytic enzymes for the digestion of cellular waste products and toxins is called a

Answer 9

• lysosome