Multiple Choice More than one choice may apply. Which of the following would you expect to be prominent in osteoclasts? a. Golgi apparatus b. Lysosomes c. Microfilaments d. Exocytosis

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of osteoclasts in the body. Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption, which involves breaking down bone tissue.
2. Step 2: Consider the cellular structures and organelles that would be involved in the process of bone resorption. Osteoclasts need to secrete enzymes and acids to dissolve bone minerals and degrade the organic matrix.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the function of each option: (a) Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion. (b) Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. (c) Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton and are involved in cell movement and shape. (d) Exocytosis is the process by which cells release substances to the extracellular environment.
4. Step 4: Determine which of these structures or processes are likely to be prominent in osteoclasts based on their function in bone resorption.
5. Step 5: Conclude that lysosomes (b) are prominent in osteoclasts due to their role in breaking down bone tissue, and exocytosis (d) is also important for secreting the breakdown products. The Golgi apparatus (a) is involved in processing and packaging these enzymes for secretion.

Key Concepts

Osteoclast Function

Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption, breaking down bone tissue to release minerals into the bloodstream. Their primary function is to maintain bone health and calcium homeostasis, making them crucial in the remodeling process of bones.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. In osteoclasts, lysosomes play a vital role in the degradation of bone matrix components, facilitating the resorption process by digesting collagen and other proteins.

Exocytosis

Exocytosis is a cellular process where substances are expelled from a cell through vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane. In osteoclasts, exocytosis is important for the secretion of enzymes and acids that aid in the breakdown of bone, highlighting the cell's active role in bone remodeling.