Question Details

The main organelle involved in modification and routing of newly synthesized proteins to their destinations is

Options

A

Lysosome

B

Endoplasmic reticulum

C

Mitochondria

D

Chloroplast

Correct Answer :

Endoplasmic reticulum

Solution :

The correct option is Endoplasmic reticulum.

To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the functions of the organelles involved in protein synthesis and trafficking:
1. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and is the primary site where newly synthesized proteins enter. As these proteins enter the ER, they undergo initial modifications such as folding, disulfide bond formation, and early glycosylation (the addition of carbohydrate chains). The ER then packages these proteins into transport vesicles to route them to their next destination (most commonly the Golgi apparatus) for further sorting and distribution.
2. Lysosomes: These organelles contain digestive enzymes and are responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, not for modifying and routing newly synthesized proteins.
3. Mitochondria: These are the powerhouses of the cell, primarily responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
4. Chloroplasts: Found in plant cells, these organelles are the sites of photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy.

Therefore, the endoplasmic reticulum is the key organelle that initiates the modification and routes newly synthesized proteins toward their final destinations.

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