Asbestos is a material that was once used extensively in construction. One risk from working in a building that contains asbestos is the development of asbestosis caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Cells will phagocytize asbestos but are not able to degrade it. As a result, asbestos fibers accumulate in ________.
A) mitochondria
B) ribosomes
C) peroxisomes
D) lysosomes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lysosomes are organelles responsible for breaking down and digesting cellular waste and debris through the action of hydrolytic enzymes. However, asbestos fibers are too large and durable to be broken down by lysosomal enzymes, leading to their accumulation within the lysosomes and causing damage to the cell. This accumulation can lead to the development of asbestosis.

Asbestos Is a Material That Was Once Used Extensively in Construction