ISRO 2024
Applied Physiology
Easy

Which of the following organelles is called the "suicidal bag"?

Appeared in: ISRO 2024

Explanation

  • Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain powerful digestive (hydrolytic) enzymes.
  • They are known as 'suicidal bags' because if the lysosomal membrane ruptures, these enzymes are released into the cell's cytoplasm.
  • This release triggers autolysis, a process where the enzymes digest the cell's own components, leading to cell death.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: This is incorrect. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouse' of the cell, not the 'suicidal bag'.
  • Option B: This is incorrect. The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport.
  • Option D: This is incorrect. Ribosomes are known as the 'protein factories' of the cell.

Related Visual

An annotated diagram of an animal cell, highlighting the lysosome and explaining its function as the suicidal bag through a simple flowchart showing membrane rupture and autol...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions and nicknames of cellular organelles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Understanding lysosomal function is critical for diagnosing and managing lysosomal storage diseases like Tay-Sachs or Gaucher disease, where enzyme deficiencies cause harmful accumulations within cells.
  • What if? If a cell is infected with a virus, the cell can intentionally trigger lysosomal rupture (a part of apoptosis or programmed cell death) as a defense mechanism to destroy itself and prevent the virus from replicating and spreading to other cells.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of basic cell biology.
  • The key phrase is 'suicidal bag.' This is a specific nickname tied to the function of one organelle.
  • Mentally review the common nicknames for the organelles listed in the options.
  • Mitochondria is the 'powerhouse'.
  • Ribosome is the 'protein factory'.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum is the 'transport network'.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Functions and nicknames of cellular organelles
  • Stem keywords: organelles, suicidal bag
  • Lead-in keywords: Which
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QA3TBPiPapEQulZj6LtY7M

Reference Book

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

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 59-61

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

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