Which one of the following cell organelles mainly functions as storehouse of digestive enzymes?

Lysosomes are membrane-bound cell organelles that primarily function as the storehouse for digestive enzymes [3]. These enzymes, known as acid hydrolases, are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the Golgi apparatus before being packaged into lysosomes. The lysosomal membrane maintains an acidic internal environment (pH ~5), which is essential for the optimal activity of these hydrolytic enzymes [3]. This compartmentalization protects the rest of the cell from accidental digestion [1]. Lysosomes play a critical role in intracellular digestion by breaking down macromolecules like proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates into simpler forms [2]. They are also involved in autophagy, the process of recycling worn-out cell parts, and destroying invading pathogens like bacteria and viruses [2]. In contrast, ribosomes are sites for protein synthesis, and vacuoles primarily handle storage and structural support.

Sources

1. [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9953/
2. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/lysosome-enzyme
3. [1] https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Lysosome