Question:

Which of the following cell organelles is commonly referred to as the 'Suicide Bags' of the cell?

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Important Cell Organelle Nicknames: Mitochondria \(\rightarrow\) Powerhouse of the Cell Ribosomes \(\rightarrow\) Protein Factories Lysosomes \(\rightarrow\) Suicide Bags Golgi Apparatus \(\rightarrow\) Packaging and Shipping Center
Updated On: Jun 5, 2026
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
  • Lysosomes
  • Golgi Apparatus
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: A cell contains several specialized structures known as organelles. Each organelle performs a particular function necessary for the survival and proper functioning of the cell. Among these organelles, lysosomes are unique because they contain powerful digestive enzymes capable of breaking down unwanted substances and even damaged cell components. Because of this special ability, they are popularly known as the ``Suicide Bags'' of the cell.

Step 1: Understanding Lysosomes. Lysosomes are small membrane-bound sacs found mainly in animal cells. They contain:

• Hydrolytic enzymes.

• Digestive enzymes.

• Acidic internal environment required for enzyme activity.
Their primary functions include:

• Digestion of food particles.

• Destruction of harmful bacteria and viruses.

• Removal of worn-out cell organelles.

• Recycling cellular materials.
Thus, lysosomes act as the waste disposal and recycling centers of the cell.

Step 2: Why are Lysosomes called Suicide Bags? Under certain conditions:

• The lysosomal membrane may rupture.

• Digestive enzymes are released into the cytoplasm.

• These enzymes begin digesting cellular components.

• The entire cell may undergo self-destruction.
This process is called: \[ \boxed{\text{Autolysis}} \] Since lysosomes can cause the destruction of the cell itself, they are called: \[ \boxed{\text{Suicide Bags of the Cell}} \]

Step 3: Analyzing Mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for:

• Cellular respiration.

• ATP production.

• Energy generation.
They are known as: \[ \boxed{\text{Powerhouse of the Cell}} \] Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.

Step 4: Analyzing Ribosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for:

• Protein synthesis.

• Translation of genetic information.

• Formation of cellular proteins.
They are often called: \[ \boxed{\text{Protein Factories of the Cell}} \] Therefore, Option (B) is incorrect.

Step 5: Analyzing Golgi Apparatus. The Golgi apparatus functions in:

• Modification of proteins.

• Packaging of proteins.

• Storage and transport of cellular products.
It acts as the shipping and distribution center of the cell. Therefore, Option (D) is incorrect.

Step 6: Final conclusion. The organelle known as the ``Suicide Bags of the Cell'' is: \[ \boxed{\text{Lysosomes}} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) Lysosomes}} \]
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