We explain what lysosomes are and what their main characteristics are. Also, what are its functions and more.
What are Lysosomes?
Lysosomes are membranous structures found inside animal cells and that contain enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for digesting substances found inside and outside the cell.
You could say that lysosomes function as a stomach for cells, because they are responsible for the elimination and recycling of waste substances.
The cell reuses the substances resulting from the work of lysosomes as fuel or to form new molecules. That is, lysosomes also influence the growth and survival of the cell.
See also: Cell nucleus
Discovery of lysosomes
In 1974 the English biochemist Christian de Duve He discovered organelles (parts of the cell that perform the function of an organ) called “lysosomes.” Lysosomes are composed of various enzymes that contribute to the digestion of particles (from outside or inside the cell) and to the self-disintegration of the cell when it cannot be recovered.
In addition, he discovered that lysosomes play an essential role in the body’s defense against bacteria. This turned out to be a very important contribution to medicine and to the treatment of hereditary diseases caused by the deficiency of lysosomal enzymes.
Characteristics of lysosomes
Lysosomes They have a very acidic composition (with a pH of 5.0), so they are surrounded by a membrane to protect them from contact with the rest of the cell. They are composed of different types of enzymes that are responsible for digesting different types of substances. Some of these enzymes are:
- Lipases. They are responsible for digesting liquid substances.
- The glucosidases. They are responsible for breaking down and digesting carbohydrates.
- Proteases. They are responsible for digesting proteins.
- Nucleases. They are responsible for degrading nucleic acids.
Lysosomes originate from the Golgi apparatus, another cellular organelle that is responsible for sorting synthesized proteins and which can disintegrate into lysosomes, endosomes, or the plasma membrane. In addition, it is responsible for distributing them to the rest of the body.
See also: Microorganisms
Functions of lysosomes
Lysosomes are an elementary part of the cell and perform various functions, such as:
- They are responsible for eliminating or recycling cellular remains and waste.
- They store digestive enzymes that provide the necessary nutrients for the cell.
- They destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
- They participate in the process of self-destruction if a cell is damaged and cannot be repaired (a process called “autophagy”).
More recent research shows that the functions of lysosomes go beyond the elimination or recycling of waste. can integrate and transmit nutritional information. That is, they have the ability to perceive the nutritional state of the cell and, consequently, of the entire organism.
When the individual is hungry, lysosomes tell the cell that it is necessary to make more of these organelles so that its enzymes can mobilize fat reserves as fuel to generate energy.