- The primary function of lysosomes in a cell is intracellular waste degradation.
- Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain a variety of hydrolytic enzymes capable of breaking down biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. These enzymes function optimally in the acidic environment inside lysosomes, allowing the cell to efficiently digest and recycle cellular debris, damaged organelles, and foreign material.

- Protein synthesis (Option 1) occurs mainly in the ribosomes, either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, not in lysosomes.
- Energy production (Option 3) takes place primarily in the mitochondria, where ATP is generated.
- Lipid storage (Option 4) is typically managed by lipid droplets and other specialized structures, not lysosomes.

Reference: Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition, Garland Science, Chapter 4 / Page 120