Question

In which cell lysosomes are absent?

Answer 1

Lysosomes:

These are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes. Some of the functions performed by lysosomes are -

1. It breaks down the cellular waste with the help of hydrolytic enzymes, and discards foreign material and cellular content.
2. It helps in the removal of dead cells from tissues such as white blood cells.
3. It plays a significant role in fertilization. It allows sperm to enter the ovum by digesting the vitelline layer.
4. The red blood cell is the only human cell that lacks lysosomes.

Reasons for no lysosomes in RBCs:

1. Red blood cells also known as erythrocytes are biconcave-shaped cells, that contain an oxygen-transporting pigment called hemoglobin.
2. Mature RBC don't contain a nucleus and are not phagocytic.
3. RBC are adapted according to it's function.
4. Lysosomes are produced in Golgi bodies and RBCs don't have Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum both.
5. Lack of lysosomes allows space to accommodate maximum molecules of hemoglobin.
6. Also, the absence of a nucleus deprives them of their living state and therefore intracellular digestion or feeding is not required.