Question

Lysosomes are known as "suicidal bags" because of

• A. Parasitic activity
• B. Presence of food vacuole
• C. Hydrolytic activity
• D. Catalytic activity

Hint:

Remember that lysosomal enzymes are called acid hydrolases.
The single membrane of the lysosome is crucial because it keeps these destructive enzymes away from the neutral cytoplasm (pH $\approx 7.2$), protecting the cell from self-digestion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in animal cells.
They serve as the main digestive compartment of the cell, degrading worn-out organelles, macromolecules, and engulfed pathogens.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Lysosomes contain more than 50 different acid hydrolase enzymes (such as proteases, nucleases, glycosidases, lipases, and phosphatases).
These enzymes require an acidic lumen (pH $\approx 4.5\text{--}5.0$) to function efficiently.
This high concentration of hydrolytic enzymes is normally kept sequestered within the lysosomal membrane to prevent damage to the rest of the cell.
However, under certain physiological or pathological conditions (such as severe cellular injury, starvation, or programmed cell death/apoptosis), the lysosomal membrane can rupture.
When multiple lysosomes rupture simultaneously, their acid hydrolases are released into the cytoplasm.
This leads to the rapid, uncontrolled digestion of the cell's own essential macromolecules and organelles (autolysis), resulting in cell death.
This self-destructive capability is why they are called "suicidal bags."

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, lysosomes are called "suicidal bags" due to their hydrolytic activity, making option (C) the correct choice.