Cell organelles — Complete the analogy: Lysosomes are specialized vesicles in animals that contain digestive enzymes to break down food. A related organelle called the vacuole, found in plants and fungi, contains enzymes and also stores nutrients or water. Which pairing correctly completes the statement?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: animals; plants and fungi

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Eukaryotic cells contain hydrolytic compartments that digest macromolecules and recycle components. The best-known are lysosomes in animals and vacuoles in plants and fungi. Distinguishing these organelles is a foundational concept in cell biology.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Lysosomes: enzyme-filled vesicles common in animal cells.
  • Vacuoles: prominent in plant and fungal cells; storage and hydrolysis roles.
  • Both operate optimally at acidic pH maintained by proton pumps.


Concept / Approach:
Animals rely on numerous small lysosomes for macromolecule degradation. Plants and fungi typically feature large central or multiple vacuoles that combine storage with degradation. Thus the correct organismal pairing is lysosomes → animals and vacuoles → plants and fungi.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify where lysosomes are canonical: animal cells.Identify where vacuoles dominate: plant and fungal cells.Match the statement’s blanks with the correct groups.Select “animals; plants and fungi.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook diagrams consistently show central vacuoles in plant cells (storage, turgor) and numerous lysosomes in animal cells (digestion, autophagy).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Other pairings swap the groups or mix them incorrectly.
  • Protists and bacteria are not the standard contrast used in this canonical example; bacteria lack membrane-bound organelles.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all eukaryotes use the same hydrolytic vesicle name; terminology and prominence differ by lineage.



Final Answer:
animals; plants and fungi

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion