Question

question 2 of 10
in a particular organism, scientists notice that cells are dying at a higher rate than normal. upon further examination, they find that these cells die after they become filled with large lipids and proteins of many different sizes. what do you predict is the reason for the cell death?
a. lysosomes are malfunctioning, so molecules targeted for destruction are not being removed.
b. the golgi bodies are incorrectly packaging lipids.
c. the endoplasmic reticulum is overproducing lipids and proteins.
d. cell membranes are allowing excess materials into the cell, causing gradients to build up.

Explanation:

Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes. They break down waste materials, lipids, proteins, and other substances. If lysosomes malfunction, molecules targeted for destruction (like the lipids and proteins mentioned) would accumulate in the cell. This accumulation can lead to cell death.

• Option B: The Golgi bodies' main function is modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Incorrect packaging of lipids alone (without addressing the protein accumulation and the role of destruction) does not fully explain the cell death due to the build - up of both lipids and proteins.
• Option C: Overproduction of lipids and proteins by the endoplasmic reticulum does not directly explain why these molecules are not being removed. There is no indication in the problem that removal mechanisms (like lysosomal function) are normal if the endoplasmic reticulum is overproducing.
• Option D: Cell membranes allowing excess materials in would cause a gradient issue, but the key here is the accumulation of materials that should be destroyed (not just a gradient from excess entry). Lysosomal function (destruction of waste) is more relevant to the build - up of lipids and proteins that are “targeted for destruction” (implied by the problem statement).

Answer:

A. Lysosomes are malfunctioning, so molecules targeted for destruction are not being removed.