If a cell’s lysosomes become damaged, which of the following is most likely to occur?

• A. The cell will be unable to transport ions across the plasma membrane.
• B. The cell will have difficulty breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
• C. The cell will be unable to synthesize proteins.
• D. The cell will lose its ability to generate ATP.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the function of lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes responsible for breaking down waste materials, cellular debris, and macromolecules within the cell. They play a key role in cellular digestion and recycling.
2. Step 2: Analyze the consequences of damaged lysosomes. If lysosomes are damaged, their ability to break down waste materials and cellular debris is compromised. This can lead to the accumulation of unwanted substances within the cell.
3. Step 3: Eliminate unrelated options. The inability to transport ions across the plasma membrane is related to membrane proteins, not lysosomes. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, and ATP generation happens in mitochondria, so these functions are not directly affected by lysosome damage.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct option. Since lysosomes are responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, damage to lysosomes would most likely result in difficulty performing these tasks.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'The cell will have difficulty breaking down waste materials and cellular debris,' as this directly relates to the primary function of lysosomes.