Lysosome

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What are Lysosomes Functions?

One needs to understand that at the cellular level, lysosomes are a cell's first line of defense. These organelles act as the disposal system of the cell. These organelles are responsible for digesting the macromolecules that pose a threat to the cell by phagocytosis. Phagocytosis process consists of ingesting dying cells, useless and unwanted foreign bodies and organelle remnants that may be present in the cytosol. However, phagocytosis is only one of the ways by which these organelles get rid of unwanted matter in the cell. The other methods that are employed for getting rid of intracellular debris includes endocytosis, wherein there are protein receptors involved which are recycled from the cell surface and autophagy, wherein old, worn out organelles reach the lysosome for destruction.

An interesting characteristic of lysosomes function is autophagy. This is because, autophagy may even lead to autophagic cell death, which is a catabolic process that involves degradation of a cell's own components through the lysosomal machinery. Thus, there is programmed cell death, or autolysis. So in such cases, the cell is digesting itself. This is the reason why lysosomes are frequently nicknamed 'suicide-bags' or 'suicide-sacs', due to their role in autolysis. Another lysosomes function includes helping in repairing a damaged plasma membrane by serving as a membrane patch, and thus, sealing the wound.