Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in nearly all animal cells. They are spherical vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down many kinds of biomolecules. Lysosomes are known to contain more than 60 different enzymes, and have the capacity to cause cellular damage.

Structure

Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain acid hydrolase enzymes to break up waste materials and cellular debris. They are found in nearly every animal cell, although the enzymes within them differ depending on the type of cell. Lysosomes are spherical and range in size from 0.1 to 1.2 micrometers.

Function

The primary function of lysosomes is to digest and remove waste products from the cell. They do this by engulfing the waste in a process called phagocytosis. Once the waste is inside the lysosome, the enzymes break it down into smaller pieces that the cell can use to rebuild other structures.

Clinical significance

Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of about 50 rare inherited metabolic disorders that result from defects in lysosomal function. These diseases are caused by mutations in different genes that encode for different lysosomal enzymes, and they affect different parts of the body, including the skeleton, brain, skin, heart, and central nervous system.

See also

• Cell
• Organelle
• Endomembrane system
• Lysosomal storage disease

References

Lysosomes Resources
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