What is known as the suicide bag of the cell?

Appeared in: CIP Ranchi 2023

Explanation

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles filled with powerful digestive enzymes, primarily acid hydrolases.
They are nicknamed 'suicide bags' due to their role in autolysis.
In autolysis, if a cell is severely damaged or at the end of its life, the lysosome ruptures and releases its enzymes, which digest the cell from the inside out, causing cell death.

Option A: The nucleus is the cell's control center, containing the genetic material (DNA) and directing protein synthesis and cell division. It does not contain digestive enzymes for self-destruction.
Option C: Golgi bodies (or Golgi apparatus) are responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. They function as the cell's 'post office,' not its demolition crew.
Option D: The centrosome is a microtubule-organizing center that plays a critical role in cell division (mitosis) by forming the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of Cellular Organelles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Lysosomal dysfunction is the cause of a group of over 50 genetic conditions known as Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs), such as Tay-Sachs and Gaucher disease. In these diseases, a missing enzyme leads to the accumulation of undigested substances, causing progressive cell and tissue damage.
The process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a vital, controlled process that also involves lysosomal enzymes. This is crucial for normal embryonic development and removing old or damaged cells.
What if? If the question had asked for the 'powerhouse' of the cell, the correct answer would be Mitochondria, as they are the primary site of ATP (energy) synthesis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that relies on knowing the common nicknames for cellular organelles.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'suicide bag of the cell'.
Think about what 'suicide' implies in a cellular context: self-destruction.
Review the functions of the organelles listed in the options.
Associate the function of self-digestion with the organelle that contains digestive enzymes. This is the lysosome.
Eliminate the other options based on their distinct primary functions: Nucleus (control center), Golgi bodies (packaging/shipping), and Centrosome (cell division).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 28-30

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 60-62

Practise the full CIP Ranchi 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.