Question

Name the cell organelle which are involved in the following processes
A. Conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates
B. Catabolism of long chain fatty acids

• A. Lysosome, Peroxysome
• B. Dictyosome, Ribosome
• C. Peroxysome, Micro bodies
• D. Glyoxysome, Peroxysome

Hint:

Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes in plants that facilitate the glyoxylate cycle during seed germination, while peroxisomes perform beta-oxidation of fatty acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question asks us to identify the cell organelles involved in two specific processes: (A) the conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates, and (B) the catabolism of long-chain fatty acids. Let’s analyze each process and determine the organelles involved. - A. Conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates The conversion of stored lipids (fats) to carbohydrates is a process that occurs primarily during seed germination in plants, where stored lipids are broken down to provide energy and carbon skeletons for growth until the seedling can photosynthesize. This process involves the glyoxylate cycle, a specialized metabolic pathway that converts lipids into carbohydrates (via intermediates like acetyl-CoA and succinate, which can be used to synthesize glucose through gluconeogenesis). The glyoxylate cycle takes place in glyoxysomes, which are specialized peroxisomes found in plant cells, particularly in seeds. Glyoxysomes contain enzymes like isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, which are unique to the glyoxylate cycle, enabling the conversion of lipids to carbohydrates. Therefore, the organelle involved in the conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates is the glyoxysome. - B. Catabolism of long chain fatty acids The catabolism of long-chain fatty acids refers to their breakdown to produce energy, a process known as beta-oxidation. In eukaryotic cells, beta-oxidation primarily occurs in peroxisomes (in plants and some other organisms) and mitochondria. Peroxisomes are particularly important for the initial breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which are then shuttled to mitochondria for further degradation. In plants, peroxisomes play a significant role in fatty acid catabolism, especially during seed germination, where lipids are a major energy source. Peroxisomes contain enzymes like acyl-CoA oxidase, which initiate beta-oxidation, producing acetyl-CoA units that can enter other metabolic pathways (e.g., the glyoxylate cycle in glyoxysomes or the citric acid cycle in mitochondria). In the context of this question, which also involves plant-related processes (given the glyoxysome in the options), peroxisomes are the organelles primarily responsible for the catabolism of long-chain fatty acids. Now, let’s match these organelles to the processes: - A) Conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates → Glyoxysome - B) Catabolism of long chain fatty acids → Peroxysome Let’s evaluate the options: - Option 1: Lysosome, Peroxysome Lysosomes are involved in the degradation of cellular waste and macromolecules, including lipids, but they do not specifically convert lipids to carbohydrates via the glyoxylate cycle. Peroxysome (likely a misspelling of peroxisome) matches B, but lysosome does not match A. This option is incorrect. - Option 2: Dictyosome, Ribosome Dictyosomes (Golgi apparatus in plants) are involved in processing and packaging proteins and lipids, not in converting lipids to carbohydrates or catabolizing fatty acids. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and are not involved in lipid metabolism. This option is incorrect. - Option 3: Peroxysome, Micro bodies Peroxysome (peroxisome) matches B, which is correct. However, "micro bodies" is a general term that includes peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, and other small organelles, but it is too vague to specifically match A (conversion of lipids to carbohydrates), which requires glyoxysomes. Since glyoxysome is a more precise option available in option 4, this option is less accurate. - Option 4: Glyoxysome, Peroxysome Glyoxysome matches A, as it is the organelle where the glyoxylate cycle converts lipids to carbohydrates. Peroxysome (peroxisome) matches B, as peroxisomes are involved in the beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. This option is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is (4) Glyoxysome, Peroxysome, which corresponds to the organelles involved in the given processes. Thus, the correct answer is Glyoxysome, Peroxysome.

Answer 2

A. Conversion of stored lipids to carbohydrates occurs in Glyoxysomes.
Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes found primarily in the cells of germinating seeds.
These organelles contain enzymes that enable the glyoxylate cycle, a variation of the citric acid cycle.
This cycle allows the seedling to convert fatty acids stored as lipids into carbohydrates such as glucose,
which are essential for energy production and growth before the plant can carry out photosynthesis.
The glyoxylate cycle bypasses the decarboxylation steps of the citric acid cycle,
allowing the net conversion of acetyl-CoA to succinate, which can then be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis.

B. Catabolism of long chain fatty acids takes place in Peroxisomes.
These organelles are involved in the β-oxidation process, where fatty acids are broken down into two-carbon acetyl-CoA units.
Peroxisomes specifically handle very long-chain fatty acids that are too large to be processed by mitochondria directly.
The acetyl-CoA produced in peroxisomes can then enter the mitochondria for complete oxidation via the citric acid cycle to produce ATP,
the energy currency of the cell.
Additionally, peroxisomes generate hydrogen peroxide as a by-product during oxidation,
which is detoxified by the enzyme catalase within the peroxisome to prevent cellular damage.

In summary, glyoxysomes facilitate the conversion of lipids to carbohydrates during seed germination,
ensuring the young plant has the necessary sugars for energy and biosynthesis,
while peroxisomes are critical for the breakdown and energy extraction from long chain fatty acids,
maintaining cellular energy balance.