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Question

A researcher is studying different types of cells. In which cell type will he/she encounter the highest number of lysosomes ?

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2026 Maths Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
White blood cell

Lysosome Function and Cell Activity

Lysosomes are cellular organelles containing digestive enzymes. Their primary role is to break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders like bacteria.

Cell Type Analysis for Lysosome Abundance

The number of lysosomes in a cell typically correlates with its level of digestive or phagocytic activity. Let's analyze the options:

  • Pancreatic cells: Primarily involved in secreting digestive enzymes and hormones. While they have metabolic activity, their main function isn't phagocytosis.
  • Ovarian cells: Involved in reproduction; their lysosome content is generally moderate.
  • Muscle cells: Focus on contraction and require energy. They undergo autophagy (recycling old components) but are not primary sites of external waste breakdown.
  • White blood cells (WBCs): These are immune cells critical for defending the body. They actively engulf pathogens (like bacteria) and cellular debris through phagocytosis. This process requires a large number of lysosomes to digest the engulfed material.

Therefore, the cell type with the highest rate of phagocytosis and waste breakdown will have the most lysosomes.

Conclusion on Lysosome Count

Based on their function in phagocytosis and waste removal, White blood cells contain the highest number of lysosomes among the given options.

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Similar Questions

  1. Bacteria have an undefined nuclear region which lacks a nuclear membrane and contains only DNA without proteins. Such a region is called:

  2. Which organelle in animal cells can digest foreign materials?
  3. The central cytoplasmic region of a prokaryotic cell containing nucleic acids is called :
  4. Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the codes given below the Lists :
     

    List-I

    (Structure/Organelle)

    List-II

    (Function)

    A. Mitochondria1. Maintenance of cell shape
    B. Cytoskeleton2. Detoxification in liver cells
    C. Smooth ER3. Storage of chemicals and cell enlargement
    D. Vacuoles4. Cellular respiration


    Codes :


Important Questions from Cell Structure

  1. The functional unit of synthesis of protein is

  2. Which of the following is known as traffic police of the cell ?

  3. Within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which of the following structures contains the tightly coiled genetic material?

  4. Identify the correct statement about cell membranes.

  5. A chromosome with a centromere near the middle is called

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