Here's why:
* Lysosomes are the "recycling centers" of the cell. They contain enzymes that break down waste products, cellular debris, and worn-out organelles.
* In Tay-Sachs disease, there's a deficiency in the enzyme hexosaminidase A. This enzyme is crucial for breaking down a fatty substance called GM2 ganglioside.
* Without hexosaminidase A, GM2 ganglioside accumulates in the lysosomes of nerve cells. This buildup disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, leading to the severe symptoms of Tay-Sachs disease.
Therefore, the lysosome is the primary cellular organelle affected in Tay-Sachs disease due to its role in enzymatic breakdown and the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside within it.
