lysoszóma

Lysosome. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in animal cells. They contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. The term "lysosome" comes from the Greek words lysis, meaning to dissolve, and soma, meaning body.

Lysosomes play a crucial role in intracellular digestion. They are formed by the Golgi apparatus and bud off as small vesicles. Once formed, they fuse with other vesicles containing ingested material, such as food particles taken in by phagocytosis or cellular waste products. The enzymes within the lysosome then digest these materials, breaking them down into smaller molecules that can be reused by the cell. This process is essential for maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of toxic substances.

In addition to breaking down external materials, lysosomes also participate in autophagy, a process where the cell degrades its own damaged or unnecessary components. This allows for cellular renewal and recycling of materials. Lysosomes are also involved in programmed cell death, or apoptosis, where they can release their enzymes to digest the cell from within. Defects in lysosomal function are associated with a number of genetic disorders, known as lysosomal storage diseases, which can lead to the accumulation of undigested substances within cells and cause serious health problems.