Certain cells in your mouth produce large amounts of the enzyme amylase, a component of your saliva that breaks down carbohydrates. Which of the following organelles would you expect to be especially abundant in this cell type?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for protein synthesis and secretion, which includes the production of amylase in this case. Therefore, a cell type that produces large amounts of amylase would be expected to have an abundance of rough ER to support the production of this enzyme. Choice A, chloroplasts, would not be relevant as they are only found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice B, mitochondria, are responsible for energy production and would not be directly involved in amylase production. Choice D, lysosomes, are responsible for breaking down and digesting waste material and would not be directly involved in amylase production either.

Certain Cells in Your Mouth Produce Large Amounts of the Enzyme