Question

What is the major benefit of having membrane-bound organelles?

Answer 1

Cells can confine potentially harmful proteins and molecules in membrane-bound organelles, protecting the rest of the cells from their harmful effects. For example, the lysosome, which is a membrane-bound organelle, contains many enzymes that digest protein, nucleic acids and lipids. If these enzymes were released, they could chew up the cell's proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, leading to cell death. The membrane surrounding the lysosome keeps those digestive enzymes away from the rest of the cell.