What role does a lysosome have in a cell?

Inside a cell, numerous organelles function to remove wastes. One of the key organelles involved in digestion and waste removal is the lysosome. Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes. They digest excess or worn out organelles, food particles, and engulfed viruses or bacteria. read more

Lysosomes are the main sites of digestion, that is the break-down of structures, within cells. There are, however, some circumstances (diseases/conditions) in which lysosomes begin to 'break-down' living cells - not just useless parts of cells or potentially harmful structures. read more

Lysosomes are one of the many types of organelles found in animal cells (cell biology). Lysosomes are tiny sacs filled with enzymes that enable the cell to process nutrients. They are also responsible for destroying the cell after it has died, which they do by a process called autolysis. Lysosomes are particularly abundant in liver and kidney cells. read more

Lysosome, subcellular organelle that is found in nearly all types of eukaryotic cells (cells with a clearly defined nucleus) and that is responsible for the digestion of macromolecules, old cell parts, and microorganisms. Each lysosome is surrounded by a membrane that maintains an acidic environment within the interior via a proton pump. Lysosomes contain a wide variety of hydrolytic enzymes (acid hydrolases) that break down macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. read more