Advantages of Compartmentalisation

What is compartmentalisation in cellular biology?

The organization of cellular structures into distinct compartments or organelles, each with specific functions and characteristics.

What are the key advantages of compartmentalisation?

• It allows for the concentration of metabolites and enzymes to speed up reactions

• The separation of incompatible biochemical processes.

• pH can be kept at an ideal level

What role do lysosomes play in cellular waste management?

Lysosomes efficiently break down cellular waste due to the high concentration of enzymes they contain

Why is compartmentalisation important for lysosomes' function?

It allows lysosomes to maintain an acidic environment, which is optimal for the function of their enzymes.

What are phagocytic vacuoles?

Vacuoles that form around ingested particles during phagocytosis

What process do phagocytic vacuoles undergo after formation?

They fuse with lysosomes to create a specialized environment for the degradation and digestion of engulfed material.

What would happen if lysosomal enzymes were free in the cytoplasm?

They could damage essential cellular components.