Barbiturate ingestion is associated with hyperophy of which cellular organelle?
**Core Concept**
Barbiturate ingestion induces changes in the liver, specifically affecting the **endoplasmic reticulum**. This is due to the liver's role in metabolizing barbiturates. The **cytochrome P450 enzyme system**, located in the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a crucial role in this process.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the endoplasmic reticulum because barbiturates induce the production of **cytochrome P450 enzymes**, leading to an increase in the size and number of **endoplasmic reticulum** membranes. This results in **hypertrophy** of the endoplasmic reticulum, allowing for increased metabolism of barbiturates and other drugs.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Mitochondria are not directly involved in the metabolism of barbiturates.
**Option B:** Lysosomes are involved in cellular digestion and recycling, not in drug metabolism.
**Option D:** Golgi apparatus is involved in protein modification and transport, not in drug metabolism.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Barbiturate use can lead to **enzyme induction**, resulting in increased metabolism of other drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
**Correct Answer:** D. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum