Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which organelle contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials in a cell?

1. Lysosomes

2. Ribosomes

3. Nucleus

4. Cell Wall

The correct answer is: Lysosomes

The organelle that contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials in a cell is lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in animal cells that serve as the cell's waste disposal system. They contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest various biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. By breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, lysosomes help maintain cellular health and facilitate recycling processes within the cell. This functionality is crucial for various processes, including apoptosis and autophagy, where damaged or unnecessary cellular components are degraded. Other organelles mentioned, such as ribosomes, are involved in protein synthesis, the nucleus houses genetic material and controls cell activities, and the cell wall provides structural support in plant cells, but none of these perform the digestive functions that lysosomes do.