Which organelle in eukaryotic cells is primarily responsible for the reabsorption and processing of fluids, similar to how lymphatic capillaries reabsorb fluid lost by blood capillaries?

• A. Vacuole
• B. Lysosome
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Golgi apparatus

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the function of each organelle listed in the options. The vacuole is primarily involved in storage and maintaining osmotic balance, lysosomes are responsible for breaking down waste and cellular debris, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, and the Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.
2. Step 2: Compare the function of these organelles to the process of reabsorption and processing of fluids, which is similar to the role of lymphatic capillaries in the body. Lymphatic capillaries reabsorb fluid lost by blood capillaries and process it for return to circulation.
3. Step 3: Focus on the Golgi apparatus, as it is the organelle responsible for processing and modifying substances, including fluids, within the cell. It packages and prepares these substances for transport to their appropriate destinations.
4. Step 4: Eliminate the other options based on their primary functions. The vacuole is more related to storage, lysosomes to degradation, and the endoplasmic reticulum to synthesis, none of which directly align with the reabsorption and processing of fluids.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the Golgi apparatus is the organelle most analogous to the lymphatic capillaries in terms of reabsorption and processing of fluids, as it plays a central role in modifying and preparing substances for transport within the cell.