Organelles in Cells: Lysosomes and Vacuoles

These flashcards cover the roles and functions of lysosomes and vacuoles in cells, highlighting key concepts from the lecture.

What are the primary functions of lysosomes in cells?

Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down materials and getting rid of unwanted organelles.

Why do lysosomes contain digestive enzymes?

They contain digestive enzymes to speed up the breakdown of materials in the cell.

What happens if the digestive enzymes in lysosomes were to leak out?

They could break down the entire cell, destroying it.

What types of materials do lysosomes break down?

Lysosomes break down proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and old or non-functional organelles.

What is compartmentalization in the context of cellular function?

Compartmentalization refers to the organization of different functions and processes in separate areas within a cell.

How do lysosomes help with cellular cleanup?

Lysosomes remove damaged or non-functional organelles from the cell.

What is the role of lysosomes in white blood cells?

Lysosomes help white blood cells break down cell walls of bacteria, aiding in immune response.

What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

Vacuoles serve as storage facilities for water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.

How does a central vacuole in plant cells differ from vacuoles in animal cells?

Plant cells have a large central vacuole for storage, while animal cells do not typically store much.

What do vacuoles store that can attract pollinators?

Vacuoles can store pigments that attract pollinators for seed fertilization.

How do vacuoles help protect plants from poison?

Poison is stored in vacuoles, keeping it isolated from other parts of the cell.

What is a contractile vacuole and its function in protists?

A contractile vacuole pumps excess water out of freshwater protists to prevent cell overhydration.

What analogy is used to describe the efficiency of a cell?

Cells are compared to well-planned cities, maximizing the use of limited space.

What is the significance of removing non-functional organelles from a cell?

It allows the cell to maintain efficiency and ensures resources are used effectively.

What four organic compounds can be stored in vacuoles?

Vacuoles can store water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.

How do lysosomes aid in the recycling of cellular components?

They break down components into their monomers for reuse in the cell.

What are some contents found in the large central vacuole of plant cells?

The large central vacuole typically contains water, salts, sugars, and other organic compounds.

Why is it crucial for lysosomes to keep digestive enzymes contained?

To prevent the enzymes from damaging or destroying the cell by breaking down essential components.

What role do lysosomes play in maintaining cellular health?

By breaking down waste and damaged organelles, lysosomes help keep the cell healthy.

How do vacuoles respond when a plant cell absorbs water?

They store the absorbed water for future use, ensuring the plant cell retains hydration.

What is the comparison made between the functions of lysosomes and vacuoles?

Lysosomes are for cleanup, while vacuoles are primarily for storage.

What might happen if a lysosome were to malfunction?

If a lysosome malfunctions, it could lead to the accumulation of waste, potentially harming the cell.

Why do plants require pollinators and how do vacuoles facilitate this?

Plants need pollinators for seed fertilization, and vacuoles store pigments that attract these pollinators.

What keeps lysosomes from damaging the cell they reside in?

Lysosomes are enclosed in a membranous sac to prevent their enzymes from leaking out.

How do storage functions in plant cells differ from those in animal cells?

Plant cells store various substances in large vacuoles, while animal cells are less focused on storage.

What is a primary motivation for removing non-functional organelles from cells?

To ensure cellular efficiency and allow for the replacement with functional components.