Which organelle is responsible for the degradation of cellular waste?

Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for the degradation of cellular waste. They contain enzymes that break down various types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. When cellular components are damaged or no longer needed, lysosomes can engulf these materials through a process called autophagy, where they effectively "digest" the waste product. This function is critical for maintaining cellular health, as it helps recycle cellular components and remove potentially harmful substances.

In contrast, chloroplasts are primarily involved in photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Vacuoles serve various purposes, including storage of substances and maintenance of turgor pressure in plant cells, but they do not have the specific enzymatic functions of lysosomes for waste degradation. The cell wall provides structural support and protection for plant cells but does not engage in the breakdown of cellular waste. Thus, the role of lysosomes as custodians of the cell's internal environment emphasizes their importance in cellular maintenance processes.