If the pH in lysosomes is increased to alkaline, what will be the outcome?
- Lysosomal enzymes will be more active
- Hydrolytic enzymes will function more efficiently
- Hydrolytic enzymes will become inactive
- Lysosomal enzymes will be released into the cytoplasm
Answer
(3) Hydrolytic enzymes will become inactive
Solution
As per NCERT, lysosomes are very rich in hydrolytic enzymes (lipases, proteases, carbohydrases) which are optimally active at the acidic pH.
⇒ Each enzyme works only within its optimum pH range; an alkaline pH changes the enzyme's structure and active site.
∴ If the lysosomal pH becomes alkaline, the hydrolytic enzymes will become inactive.
Answer: (3)