Peroxisomes and lysosomes are both organelles involved in degradation but have distinct functions. Which of the following highlights a key functional difference?
Correct: B
Peroxisomes are characterized by their involvement in various metabolic reactions that produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a byproduct, and they contain catalase to break down this toxic H2O2 into water and oxygen. They are also involved in the beta-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids. Lysosomes, on the other hand, are the cell's main digestive organelles, containing a wide array of acid hydrolases (e.g., proteases, lipases, nucleases) that function optimally at an acidic pH to break down macromolecules, old organelles, and foreign substances. Thus, B correctly highlights a key functional distinction. Lysosomes degrade cellular debris, not peroxisomes. Neither organelle directly synthesizes ATP. Lysosomes bud from the Golgi apparatus, while peroxisomes can form by budding from the ER or by growth and division of existing peroxisomes.