Which cell structure removes and recycles waste products?

Which cell structure removes and recycles waste products?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Lysosome
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Peroxisome

Answer: (B)

Waste removal and recycling inside the cell are handled by the lysosome, the digestive and recycling center of the cell. It harbors acid hydrolases that break down proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Damaged or worn-out organelles are enveloped by autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes, where their contents are digested and their constituent molecules recycled for new use. Lysosomes also digest material taken in from outside the cell via endocytosis. The acidic environment inside lysosomes optimizes the activity of these enzymes, making them efficient at breaking down waste. In contrast, the nucleus stores genetic material; the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins for secretion or delivery; peroxisomes participate in fatty acid breakdown and detoxification, but they don’t serve as the main waste-removal and recycling centers like lysosomes.

Waste removal and recycling inside the cell are handled by the lysosome, the digestive and recycling center of the cell. It harbors acid hydrolases that break down proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Damaged or worn-out organelles are enveloped by autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes, where their contents are digested and their constituent molecules recycled for new use. Lysosomes also digest material taken in from outside the cell via endocytosis. The acidic environment inside lysosomes optimizes the activity of these enzymes, making them efficient at breaking down waste. In contrast, the nucleus stores genetic material; the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins for secretion or delivery; peroxisomes participate in fatty acid breakdown and detoxification, but they don’t serve as the main waste-removal and recycling centers like lysosomes.