Question

The liver is known for its ability to remove certain toxins from the blood. It can perform this function because its cells, or hepatocytes, contain large quantities of lysosomes and peroxisomes, and also have an extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Briefly describe how these three organelles contribute to this major function of the liver. View Available Hint(s)

Answer 1

Answer:liver is one of the organs of the body that helps is degradation and removal of waste materials and toxins. Its made up of hepatocytes( liver cells) which contains organelles such as lysosome, peroxisomes and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Explanation:

LYSOSOME is an intracellular organelles that helps in removal of wastes, engulf invading microbes and removal of toxins. It contains enzymes such as acid hydrolases. The lysosome engulf these toxins through endocytosis, digest the toxins with the help of tge enzyme after which they can be safely eliminated by the hepatocyte cells.

PEROXISOMES: These are intracellular organelles of the hepatocytes that contains enzymes such as oxidase and catalase. They detoxify substances such as alcohol and other harmful compounds through oxidative process.

SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM: They are also intracellular organelles of the hepatocytes that help in the removal of toxic materials such as metabolic waste or drugs. They contain enzymes such as cytochrome P450 that can make lipid- soluble drugs and metabolic wastes into water soluble so that these substances can be expelled out of the body.

Answer 2

Answer:

Lysosome - contain digestive enzymes involved in the degradation of defunct intracellular organelles

Peroxisome - A major organelle within the cell, where oxygen is extensively metabolized

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum - site for lipid production within the cell and storage of calcium ions.

Explanation:

The lysosome, peroxisome and endoplasmic reticulum are distinct compartments with boundaries defined by at least one selectively permeable membrane.

Intracellular digestion occurs mainly within lysosomes. Protein molecules are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane or lysosomes. The lysosomes contain about 40 types of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, sulfatases, phospholipases, etc

Since the liver's main function is detoxification, the abundance of organelles within the hepatocytes, that are involved in degradation and removal of toxic material would enhance its capacity.