Question

What are lysosomes and describe their functions?

Answer 1

Dear student,
Lysosomes are the membrane-bound vesicles, which contain digestive (hydrolytic) enzymes like acid hydrolase. They are also known as ‘ suicide-bags’ of cells as they burst out and release hydrolytic enzymes in the cytosol, where cells are heavily injured.

Functions of lysosomes:

• They digest macromolecules by phagocytosis, endocytosis, or autophagy

• They also take part in auto-cell lysis.