What structures in the cytoplasm contain digestive enzymes that destroy old cells and bacteria?

Lysosomes are critical cellular organelles known for containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, old cells, and pathogens, such as bacteria. These enzymes facilitate the process of autophagy, where cellular components are recycled, and they also play a vital role in the immune response by digesting foreign particles.

While mitochondria are essential for energy production through the process of cellular respiration, the nucleus is responsible for housing genetic material and coordinating cellular activities. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis but do not have digestive functions. Thus, lysosomes are uniquely equipped to handle the degradation and recycling of cellular materials, which distinguishes them from the other organelles mentioned.