Lizozómy

Lizozómy are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They contain a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. These enzymes function optimally in an acidic environment, which is maintained within the lysosome by a proton pump in the lysosomal membrane.

The primary function of lysosomes is to act as the cell's recycling center. They engulf damaged or old organelles, pathogens, and other unwanted materials through a process called autophagy or phagocytosis. Once enclosed within the lysosome, the contents are broken down into their constituent molecules, such as amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids. These smaller molecules can then be reused by the cell for energy or synthesis of new components.

Lysosomes also play a crucial role in defense against invading microorganisms. When a cell engulfs a bacterium or virus, it can fuse with a lysosome, and the enzymes within the lysosome will degrade the pathogen. Defects in lysosomal function are associated with a class of genetic disorders known as lysosomal storage diseases, where the accumulation of undigested materials within the cell leads to various pathologies.