Question

Which of the following organelles are NOT present in plant cells?

• A. Peroxisomes
• B. Golgi apparatus
• C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Lysosome

Hint:

Remember the three key structures present in plant cells but absent in animal cells: the cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Conversely, lysosomes and centrioles are typically found in animal cells but not in plant cells.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Core Concept:
The task is to pinpoint an organelle absent in plant cells, requiring knowledge of plant versus animal cell structures.

Step 2: Breakdown:
Consider each organelle's presence in a typical plant cell:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{1. Peroxisomes: Present in plant cells; involved in various metabolic processes, including photorespiration. } \\ \bullet & \text{2. Golgi apparatus: Present in plant cells; modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids, and synthesizes cell wall polysaccharides. } \\ \bullet & \text{3. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: Present in plant cells; involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage. } \\ \bullet & \text{4. Lysosome: Typically absent in plant cells. Animal cells use lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes. Plant cells primarily use their large central vacuole for this function. Some plant cells may have small lysosome-like bodies, but distinct lysosomes are generally absent. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclusion:
Lysosomes are generally not found in plant cells.