Question

Tay-Sachs disease is associated with which organelle and why?

a) Endoplasmic reticulum - lipid synthesis
b) Golgi apparatus - enzyme production
c) Mitochondria - energy production
d) Lysosome - lipid breakdown

Answer 1

D) Lysosome

It’s caused by a certain mutation in the HEXA gene which results in a deficiency of the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme is found in lysosomes and we need it to break down the GM2 ganglioside.

Answer 2

Tay-Sachs disease is linked to lysosomal malfunction due to ineffective lipid breakdown, leading to nerve cell damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that is associated with a malfunction in the lysosome. The lysosome is the organelle responsible for the breakdown of lipids. In Tay-Sachs disease, a specific enzyme that breaks down lipids in the brain cells is missing or not working properly, leading to a harmful accumulation of sphingolipids, which ultimately results in nerve cell damage and the symptoms associated with the disease. The correct answer to the question of which organelle is malfunctioning in Tay-Sachs disease is 'd) Lysosome - lipid breakdown'.