Which of the following is considered a suicidal bag of cells?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Lysosomes are vesicular organelles containing a variety of hydrolytic enzymes, also known as acid hydrolases.
These enzymes are responsible for digesting waste materials, foreign microbes, and old or damaged cellular components.
When a cell is severely damaged or stressed, the lysosomal membrane can rupture, releasing these digestive enzymes into the cytoplasm.
This release triggers autolysis, or the self-digestion of the cell, which is why lysosomes are nicknamed 'suicidal bags'.

Option A: Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell, not suicidal bags. Their primary role is to generate energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
Option B: Ribosomes are the 'protein factories' of the cell. Their function is to synthesize proteins based on the instructions from messenger RNA.
Option C: The Nucleus is the 'control center' of the cell. It houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs all cellular activities.

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.
Understanding the function of lysosomes is crucial for comprehending lysosomal storage diseases (e.g., Tay-Sachs, Gaucher disease), where enzyme deficiencies lead to toxic accumulation of substances within cells.
The process of autolysis initiated by lysosomes is a key component of apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is essential for normal development and tissue maintenance.
What if? - If a person has a genetic mutation that prevents the production of a specific lysosomal enzyme, they would develop a lysosomal storage disease. The answer would not change, but the clinical context would shift from normal cell function to a pathological state where waste products accumulate, causing cellular dysfunction and disease.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the common names and functions of cellular organelles.
Identify the key phrase in the question: 'suicidal bag'.
Recall the specific function associated with this nickname. The term 'suicide' implies self-destruction.
Evaluate the options: Mitochondria (energy), Ribosome (protein), Nucleus (control). None of these relate to self-destruction.
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that can break down the cell itself (autolysis), which directly corresponds to the 'suicidal bag' concept.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 45-47

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 31-33

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

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