Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What part of a cell is referred to as the digestive system?

1. Nucleus

2. Mitochondria

3. Ribosomes

4. Lysosomes

The correct answer is: Mitochondria

The digestive system of a cell is actually referred to as lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes responsible for breaking down waste materials, cellular debris, and macromolecules. These enzymes function like the digestive enzymes found in the human stomach, allowing the lysosomes to digest and recycle components of the cell, which is crucial for maintaining cellular health and function. The other components mentioned, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, serve different vital roles within the cell. Mitochondria are primarily known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains. The nucleus, while crucial for housing the cell's genetic material and regulating gene expression, does not participate in the breakdown or digestion of substances within the cell. Thus, lysosomes are specifically designated as the digestive system within the cell, highlighting their essential role in macromolecule degradation and cellular maintenance.