Question

Describe the functions of Lysosomes.

Answer 1

Lysosomes:

1. Lysosomes are the single membranous cell organelles, present inside every animal cell and rarely found in plant cells.
2. The organelle contains digestive enzymes and have pH of 4.5 to 5.5.
3. Lysosomes have a single outer membrane consisting of a phospholipid bilayer and contain acid hydrolases which are enzymes capable of breaking-down macromolecules.

Functions of lysosomes:

1. As they contain digestive enzymes, they break down macromolecules into simple forms.
2. Lysosomes can digest the whole cells with the help of lytic enzymes they contain, and thus are called “suicidal bags”.
3. They also help in protein synthesis.
4. They are also responsible for cleaning of cell, as they remove the waste product from cells.
5. They recycle the products of biochemical reactions that have taken place following materials being brought into the cell by endocytosis.