OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Lysosomes contain:

1. a. haemoglobin

2. b. digestive enzymes

3. c. chromosomes

4. d. mitochondria

The correct answer is: b. digestive enzymes

The correct choice is that lysosomes contain digestive enzymes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in animal cells that play a crucial role in the digestion and recycling of various macromolecules. Their primary function is to break down waste materials and cellular debris through the action of these enzymes, which include proteases, lipases, and more. This function is essential for cellular maintenance, as it helps eliminate unneeded components and facilitates the recycling of materials that can be reused by the cell. The enzymes within lysosomes are typically active at an acidic pH, which is maintained within the lysosomal environment. In contrast, haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen, chromosomes contain genetic material organized into DNA, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration. None of these components are functions of lysosomes, highlighting the unique role that these organelles play in cellular homeostasis and waste management.