What are Lysosomes?
Lysosomes are eukaryotic cell organelles that help in the digestion and removal of cellular waste and debris. They are formed by the joint activity of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. All materials that have to be acted upon by lysosome enzymes are usually enclosed inside vacuoles and the vacuoles fuse with the lysosomes for the digestion of materials.
Thus, lysosomes take part in the intracellular digestion of various types of materials of endogenous or exogenous origin, extracellular digestion can be performed by them under certain conditions. Lysosomes pass through various stages of development in the same cell and this phenomenon is called polymorphism (the existence of more than one morphological form).
Location of Lysosome
They are found in the cell cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. In animals, lysosomes are present in huge amounts in leucocytes, macrophages, Kupffer’s cells, and similar cells with phagocytic activity. They are present in fungi, Euglena, root tip cells of maize, cotton, and pea seeds. In plants, the function of lysosomes is shared by phagosomes, aleurone grains, and vacuoles.
Lysosomes – Definition, Types, Significance, Functions
Lysosomes are cell organelles that are also known as “suicide bags” or “cell recycling centers” of the cell. Lysosomes function in cellular waste disposal and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Lysosomes are eukaryotic membrane-bound cell organelles that appear small and spherical.
Lysosomes arise from the Golgi apparatus. They are the reservoirs of digestive enzymes. In this article, we will study in detail lysosome structure and function, diagram, and more.
Table of Content
- Lysosome Definition
- What are Lysosomes?
- Why Lysosomes are Known as Suicidal Bags?
- Lysosome Structure
- Lysosome Diagram
- Where are Lysosomal Enzymes made?
- Lysosome in Plant Cell
- Types of Lysosomes
- Significance of Lysosomes
- Functions of Lysosomes
- Lysosomal Diseases