Question

The process by which intracellular macromolecules are supplied for lysosomal degradation during nutrient starvation is:

• A. apoptosis
• B. autophagy
• C. phagocytosis
• D. pinocytosis

Hint:

Autophagy = self-eating; it helps cells survive starvation by recycling internal components.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Autophagy is a survival mechanism activated during nutrient starvation.

Step 1: Formation of autophagosomes.
Damaged organelles and macromolecules are enclosed in a double-membrane structure called the autophagosome.

Step 2: Lysosomal degradation.
The autophagosome fuses with a lysosome, where the contents are degraded to recycle nutrients.
Apoptosis is programmed cell death, phagocytosis and pinocytosis involve uptake of external material—not internal recycling.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, autophagy is the correct process.