LYSOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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A lysosome is a specialized organelle found within animal and plant cells that functions as the primary site for the breakdown and recycling of cellular waste materials and foreign substances. They are small, membrane-bound structures containing various enzymes capable of digesting substances such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
Lysosomes play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by efficiently eliminating unwanted or harmful materials. They are responsible for the degradation of damaged cellular components, like mitochondria, in a process known as autophagy. Additionally, lysosomes participate in the digestion of engulfed foreign particles through a process called phagocytosis.
These organelles possess a highly acidic interior due to the presence of proton pumps in their membranes. This acidic environment is essential for the optimal functioning of the enzymes within lysosomes, enabling them to efficiently break down substances into their basic building blocks.
In addition to their role in digestion and waste removal, lysosomes also participate in certain physiological processes. They are involved in the secretion of enzymes and hormones, as well as the regulation of cellular growth and differentiation.
Lysosomal dysfunction has been implicated in various diseases, particularly lysosomal storage disorders, where the enzymes necessary for degradation are deficient or absent. These conditions can lead to the accumulation of undigested substances within cells, causing organ damage and impairing overall cellular function.
Common Misspellings for LYSOSOME
Etymology of LYSOSOME
The word lysosome has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: lysis, meaning loosening or dissolution, and soma, meaning body. The term was coined by Belgian cytologist Christian de Duve in 1955 when he discovered and named these cellular organelles. The name lysosome was chosen to describe their function of breaking down and digesting cellular waste materials through a process called lysosomal digestion.
Similar spelling words for LYSOSOME
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