What type of organelle contains digestive enzymes?

Lysosomes are specialized organelles within cells that contain digestive enzymes capable of breaking down various biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. These enzymes help in the degradation of worn-out cellular components and foreign materials, essentially serving as the cell's waste disposal system. By encapsulating these enzymes in a membrane, lysosomes prevent them from damaging other cellular structures.

In addition to their role in digestion, lysosomes are also involved in processes such as autophagy, where the cell recycles its own components, and the degradation of pathogens that the cell may engulf. This function is crucial for maintaining cellular health and homeostasis.

Other organelles mentioned, such as mitochondria, are primarily focused on energy production, while the nucleus contains genetic material and orchestrates cell activities, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis. None of these perform the specific digestive role that lysosomes do.