Hydrolases may accidentally leak out of the lysosomes but are unlikely to damage any of the internal cellular structures because

Options

A. the cytoplasm contains several coenzymes that inhibit hydrolases from functioning.
B. hydrolases are only active at an acidic (pH 5.5) pH.
C. peroxisomes and other organelles absorb free hydrolases
D. cells rapidly expel all hydrolases via exocytosis

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Hydrolases**:
- Hydrolases are a class of enzymes that act as biochemical catalysts. They are primarily involved in breaking chemical bonds by adding water, a process known as hydrolysis.

2. **Location of Hydrolases**:
- These enzymes are contained within lysosomes, which are specialized organelles in the cell responsible for digestion and waste processing.

3. **Leakage of Hydrolases**:
- The question pertains to what happens if hydrolases leak out of lysosomes into the cytoplasm of the cell.

4. **pH Levels**:
- Hydrolases are only active at an acidic pH, specifically around 5.5. This acidic environment is crucial for their enzymatic activity.

5. **Cytoplasm pH**:
- The cytoplasm of the cell typically has a more alkaline (basic) pH, which is not conducive to the activity of hydrolases.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Since hydrolases require an acidic environment to function and the cytoplasm is alkaline, the leaked hydrolases will not be able to perform their digestive functions. Therefore, they are unlikely to damage internal cellular structures.

7. **Correct Answer**:
- The correct reason why hydrolases leaking from lysosomes are unlikely to damage internal cellular structures is that **hydrolases are only active at an acidic pH of about 5.5**.