Question: 143: If the pH in lysosomes is increased to alkaline, what will be the outcome?
(1) Hydrolytic enzymes will function more efficiently
(2) Hydrolytic enzymes will become inactive
(3) Lysosomal enzymes will be released into the cytoplasm
(4) Lysosomal enzymes will be more active
Answer: Option (2)
Explanation:
Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that are responsible for intracellular digestion.
These enzymes function optimally in an acidic environment, with a pH of about
4.5 to 5.0.
The acidic pH inside lysosomes is maintained by proton pumps present in the lysosomal membrane.
If the pH inside lysosomes becomes alkaline, the acidic condition required for enzyme activity is lost.
As a result, the hydrolytic enzymes cannot maintain their proper structure and become inactive.
Therefore, increasing the lysosomal pH to alkaline leads to inactivation of hydrolytic enzymes.