In cells, the ______________ destroys toxic materials

• A. Nucleus
• B. Lysosomes
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Ribosomes

Answer: (B)

Lysosomes act as the cell’s recycling centers, loaded with enzymes that break down waste, damaged organelles, and materials brought into the cell. The interior is acidic, which optimizes the hydrolytic enzymes to digest complex molecules into smaller, reusable pieces or harmless forms. When toxic materials are taken in or a worn-out organelle needs disposal, a vesicle fuses with a lysosome and the enzymes carry out the cleanup. This digestion and recycling role is why lysosomes are the organelle that destroys toxic materials. By contrast, the nucleus stores genetic information, mitochondria generate energy, and ribosomes synthesize proteins, so they aren’t primarily responsible for breaking down toxins.