Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the normal function of lysosomes within a cell?

1. Produce energy

2. Synthesize proteins

3. Digest waste materials

4. Store nutrients

The correct answer is: Digest waste materials

Lysosomes play a crucial role in cellular maintenance and homeostasis by being involved in the digestion of waste materials and cellular debris. These organelles contain a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that break down macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, into their smaller building blocks. This process not only helps to recycle cellular components but also eliminates unwanted or harmful substances from the cell. The function of lysosomes in digesting waste materials is essential for maintaining a healthy intracellular environment, as it prevents the accumulation of potentially toxic materials. In certain conditions where lysosomal function is impaired, such as in some lysosomal storage diseases, harmful substances can accumulate, leading to cellular dysfunction and disease. In contrast, the other options refer to different cellular functions: producing energy is primarily the role of mitochondria, synthesizing proteins is conducted by ribosomes and the rough endoplasmic reticulum, while storing nutrients involves various organelles and structures like vacuoles or the endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore, the correct choice of lysosomes digesting waste materials accurately captures their primary function within the cell.