Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Lysosomes are called suicidal bags.
Reason (R) : When a cell dies, lysosomal enzymes cause autolysis of the remanant.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Understand the biological prefixes and suffixes: "Auto-" means self, and "-lysis" means breakdown or destruction. Autolysis = Self-breakdown, which perfectly describes the function of lysosomal "suicide bags."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept:
This question tests the functional biology of lysosomes, focusing specifically on their internal enzymatic contents and their critical role in cellular breakdown, recycling, and programmed cell death.

Step 2: Step-by-step Explanation:

• Assertion (A): Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are indeed widely referred to in biological literature as the "suicidal bags" or "suicide sacs" of the cell. Therefore, this assertion statement is completely correct.

• Reason (R): The interior of a lysosome is highly acidic and packed with potent hydrolytic enzymes (such as proteases, lipases, nucleases, and glycosidases). Under normal conditions, these enzymes digest food particles or damaged organelles (autophagy).

• However, if a cell undergoes severe irreversible damage, disease, or initiates programmed cell death (apoptosis), the lysosomal membranes can intentionally rupture.

• Upon this rupture, the highly destructive enzymes spill out into the cytoplasm, where they rapidly digest and break down the cell's own internal components. This destructive process of self-digestion is termed autolysis.

• Because the release of these internal enzymes effectively destroys the host cell from the inside out, Reason (R) provides the exact, scientifically sound explanation for why lysosomes earned the nickname "suicidal bags" mentioned in Assertion (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct, and the reason perfectly explains the assertion.