Lysosomes

By Daniel Velasco and Anthony Haynes

Lysosome
An organelle containing a variety of
destructive enzymes that are used in
multiple processes throughout the cell.
The name comes from the Greek words
lysis meaning to separate and soma
meaning body.
Components
There are two major components
of lysosomes:

Enzymes: There are near fifty
degradative enzymes located
within lysosomes, all having unique
purposes, such as for breaking
down different materials.
Membrane: The lysosomal
membrane contains the enzymes
of the organelle, the membranes
main function is to protect other
organelles in the cell from the
malicious effects of the enzymes.
Enzymes
The enzymes located within lysosomes are
very strictly regulated because at a ph of
4.5 they are so powerful they can kill their
host cell.
Although there is a wide variety of
enzymes, basic ones include:
Acid lipase: These enzymes digest fat.
Amylase: This enzyme breaks down starch.
Maltodextrins, protense, and nucleic
enzymes breakdown proteins and nucleic
acids respectively.
Phosphoric acid breaks down monoesters.

Processes
Lysosomes and the enzymes within them take part
in many processes within the cell including:
Phagocytosis
Autophagy
Digestion
Apoptosis
Autolysis
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is the process
of engulfing a solid particle
by a phagocyte or a protist
. The name comes from the
ancient Greek word
phagein meaning "to
devour.

Phagocytosis is a specific
form of endocytosis
involving the vesicular
internalization of solids such
as bacteria, and is distinct
from other forms of
endocytosis as it is a major
mechanism used to remove
pathogens and cell debris.
Bacteria, dead tissue cells,
and small mineral particles
are all examples of objects
that may be phagocytized.

Autophagy
Autophagy is a self-
degradative process that is
essential for regulating
energy in the cell during
development and for
reacting to nutrient stress.
Autophagy is considered a
survival term because of the
janitorial role it plays within
the cell: removing
aggregated protiens and
decaying organelles.
Autophagy also promotes
the presentation of cell
surface antigen and cellular
aging.
Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a cellular
process of self destruction
and is signified by the
fragmentation of nuclear
DNA. In essence
programmed cell death.
Apoptosis can be initiated
by the presence of stimuli or
the absence of stimuli and
or repressing agents. It is a
fairly common process that
is crucial for eliminating
unwanted, redundant, and
DNA damaged cells.
Autolysis
Autolysis is the destruction of
cells or cell parts by active
substances, such as
enzymes produced by
lysosomes within the cell.
Autolysis is initiated by
lysosomes within the cell
which release degrading
enzymes into the cytoplasm.
Autolysis is rare in living cells
or organisms as it is only
initiated with the cessation
of active processes within
the cell. Autolysis itself is not
an active process as the
name may imply.