What are the functions of lysosomes in a cell

In this article, we suggest that you consider the functions of lysosomes in a cell. In addition, we will pay attention to the purpose of this organoid and its structure.

As it became clear, the lysosome is an integral part of every cell. And all that we see, what we touch, and we ourselves - it's a designer, consisting of many tiny particles. The cell is an elementary structural unit of all organisms living on the planet Earth. It has a number of qualities that allow it to exist on its own:

• Own metabolism;
• Ability to reproduce;
• Reproduction (self-reproduction);
• Development.

Well, now we propose to go to the organoid of interest to us, to consider its structure and to isolate the functions of lysosomes in the cell.

Lysosome

Now we will analyze this organelle in more detail and provide you with a classification. Before we list and consider the functions of lysosomes in a cell, it is necessary to mention a brief history of discovery. These small granules were first discovered by the scientist de Duve in the liver cell. This event occurred in the 50s of the XX century.

The lysosome is a cavity filled with various hydrolytic enzymes (they can count more than 80 species). It is surrounded by a membrane, it is important to clarify that it is single. The species of these organoids is not the same, in most cases it is a rounded shape, not exceeding 0.8 μm in diameter.

The membrane of lysosomes does not have the same thickness, its permeability varies under the influence of certain conditions. So, labilizers (that is, increasing permeability) are:

• Thyroxine;
• progesterone;
• vitamin A;
• ultra-violet rays;
• X-ray radiation;
• Oxygen and others.

The reverse effect is rendered by:

• Prednisolone;
• Cortisone and the like.

In different cells is not the same amount of lysosomes, most of them are in cells that have the function of phagocytosis. Examples are macrophages or leukocytes. Also here are those that are capable of absorption, secretion and excretion. They are:

• Epithelial cells;
• Intestines;
• Kidney;
• Prostate gland, etc.

Now briefly on the classification of lysosomes. They are divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary are called cumulative. Among the secondary can be identified:

• Phagolysosomes;
• Cytolysosomes;
• Residual bodies.

Functions

Now we suggest allocating a few functions of lysosomes in a cage. So, here you can include:

• Cell digestion;
• Autophagy;
• Autolysis;
• Dissolution of external structures.

And now we will briefly explain the meaning of these terms. About cellular digestion and autophagy you can read in detail a little bit later. Now - about what function is performed by lysosomes during cell death.

This process is called autolysis. The membrane of the lysosome can be broken, which leads to the release of the enzymes in it. As a rule, they cease to perform their basic function, since they simply deactivate in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Violation of one cell is not a problem, but what if all lysosomes break their structure? Then comes the death of the cell itself. A vivid example of autolysis is the death of the tail in tadpoles of a frog.

Digestion

We mentioned earlier that lysosomes perform the function of digestion in the cell. We suggest you to consider this process in more detail. As already mentioned, lysosomes are divided into two groups, while the digestive vacuole also belongs to the secondary. It is she who performs the function of digestion in the cell. It is formed by the fusion of a phagosome and a primary lysosome.

The digestive vacuole has larger dimensions, reaching up to 1.2 microns. It contains a very large number of inclusions. Here, the processing of the substances trapped in the cell takes place. It often happens that they are digested by hydrolysis to low molecular weight particles. The latter can easily pass through the membrane of the lysosome. Further, they need a cage for the formation of new organelles.

Autophagy

And what function does the lysosome perform in the cell? We have already said that among their prescriptions there is such as autophagy. This process is characterized by the capture of components in the cell and destruction by lysosomes. There are 3 types of autophagy:

• micro;
• macro;
• Chaperone.

In the first case, the lysosome captures debris and digests them for energy or building material. This process can occur during fasting. During macroautophagy, an autophagosome and a lysosome combine to form an autophagolysosome. In the latter, the remains of futofagos are digested. The third species can be observed exclusively in mammals during stress. With this type of autophagy, a specific transport of proteins to lysosomes takes place.