NEETBotanyCell - The Unit of Life
In a eukaryotic cell, Organelle 'X' is involved in the synthesis of proteins, which are then modified and packaged by Organelle 'Y'. Organelle 'Y' subsequently pinches off vesicles that mature into Organelle 'Z', which is rich in hydrolytic enzymes. Which of the following statements correctly describes Organelle 'Z'?
Options
- AIt is a double membrane-bound structure containing its own circular DNA.
- BIts hydrolytic enzymes are optimally active at an alkaline pH.
- CIt is excluded from the endomembrane system due to its independent functions.
- DIt is a single membrane-bound vesicular structure whose enzymes are optimally active at an acidic pH.
Correct answer
D. It is a single membrane-bound vesicular structure whose enzymes are optimally active at an acidic pH.
Step-by-step solution
Based on the coordinated pathway described, Organelle 'X' is the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER), which synthesizes proteins. These proteins are modified and packaged by Organelle 'Y', the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi apparatus pinches off vesicles that mature into Organelle 'Z', which are the lysosomes. Lysosomes are single membrane-bound vesicular structures formed by the process of packaging in the Golgi apparatus. They are rich in hydrolytic enzymes (hydrolases) that are optimally active at an acidic pH. Option