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Chapter 4: Problem 53

Macrophages ingest and digest many pathogens. Which organelle plays a major role in the activity of macrophages? a. chloroplast b. lysosome c. nucleus d. peroxisome

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. lysosome

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Function of Macrophages

Macrophages are immune cells that ingest and digest pathogens to protect the body from infections. This process is called phagocytosis.
02

- Identify the Role of Organelles in Digestion

Determine which organelle is responsible for breaking down pathogens. Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that degrade biological molecules.
03

- Evaluate the Given Options

Review the four given organelles (chloroplast, lysosome, nucleus, peroxisome) and their functions. Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, the nucleus houses genetic material, and peroxisomes break down fatty acids.
04

- Choose the Correct Answer

Given that lysosomes contain enzymes that digest pathogens, the organelle that plays a major role in the activity of macrophages is the lysosome.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Immune Response
Macrophages play a critical role in the immune response. When the body detects a threat, such as pathogens like bacteria and viruses, it deploys immune cells like macrophages to counteract the threat.
These macrophages are a type of white blood cell fundamental in detecting, engulfing, and destroying these harmful invaders. This action is part of the body's innate immune response, which serves as the first line of defense.
By recognizing and eliminating these foreign particles swiftly, macrophages help to prevent infections and maintain the body's overall health.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes are essential organelles within macrophages. They contain powerful digestive enzymes that break down the substances the cell ingests.
In macrophages, lysosomes fuse with the vesicles containing the ingested pathogens. Once this fusion happens, the enzymes within the lysosome degrade the engulfed material.
This process ensures that the pathogen is dismantled and rendered harmless, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Without lysosomes, macrophages wouldn't be able to perform their critical function of breaking down and digesting pathogens.
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is the process by which macrophages ingest and engulf pathogens. It starts when a macrophage encounters a pathogen in the body.
The macrophage extends part of its cell membrane around the pathogen, essentially 'eating' it. This forms a pocket or vesicle known as a phagosome.
Next, the phagosome fuses with a lysosome, a structure full of digestive enzymes. This fusion allows the contents of the phagosome to be broken down and digested, neutralizing the pathogen.
Phagocytosis is a critical mechanism in the immune response to protect the body from infections.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes within lysosomes are crucial for the breakdown of ingested pathogens. These enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions that dismantle biological molecules.
When a lysosome fuses with a phagosome containing a pathogen, these enzymes go to work. They break down the proteins, lipids, and other molecules of the pathogen.
This enzymatic activity ensures that the pathogen is fully digested and cannot harm the body.
Different types of digestive enzymes in lysosomes include proteases, lipases, and nucleases, each targeting specific components of the ingested material.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Is the nuclear membrane part of the endomembrane system? Why or why not? a. The nuclear membrane is not a part of the endomembrane system as the endoplasmic reticulum is a separate organelle of the cell. b. The nuclear membrane is considered a part of the endomembrane system as it is continuous with the Golgi body. c. The nuclear membrane is part of the endomembrane system as it is continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. d. The nuclear membrane is not considered a part of the endomembrane system as the nucleus is a separate organelle.

Which element of the cell theory has practical applications in health care because it promotes the use of sterilization and disinfection? a. All cells come from pre-existing cells. b. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. c. A cell is the basic unit of life. d. A nucleus and organelles are found in prokaryotic cells.

Some animal cells produce extensive extracellular matrix. You would expect their ribosomes to synthesize large amounts of which of the following proteins? a. actin b. collagen c. myosin d. tubulin

What happens to the proteins that are synthesized on free ribosomes in the cytoplasm? Do they go through the Golgi apparatus? a. These proteins move through the Golgi apparatus and enter in the nucleus. b. These proteins go through the Golgi apparatus and remain in the cytosol. c. The proteins do not go through the Golgi apparatus and move into the nucleus for processing. d. The proteins do not go through the Golgi apparatus and remain free in the cytosol.

Which of the following statements is part of the cell theory? a. All living organisms are made of cells. b. All cells contain DNA that they pass on to daughter cells. c. All cells depend on their surroundings to provide energy. d. All cells have a nucleus.
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