In our article, we suggest you consider the function of lysosomes in the cell. In addition, we will pay attention to the purpose of this organoid and its structure.
As it has already become clear, a lysosome is an integral part of every cell. And all that we see, what we touch, and we ourselves are a constructor, consisting of many tiny particles. A cell is an elementary structural unit of all organisms living on planet Earth. She has a number of qualities that allow her to exist independently:
- own metabolism;
- ability to reproduce;
- reproduction (self-reproduction);
- development.
Well, now we suggest moving on to the organoid that interests us, considering its structure and isolating 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 the cell, a brief history of the discovery must be mentioned. These small granules were first discovered by scientist de Duve in a liver cell. This event occurred in the 50s of the XX century.
A lysosome is a cavity filled with various hydrolytic enzymes (more than 80 species can be counted). It is surrounded by a membrane, it is important to clarify that it is single. The appearance of these organelles is not the same, in most cases it is round in shape, in diameter not exceeding 0.8 microns.
The lysosome membrane does not have the same thickness, its permeability changes under the influence of certain conditions. So, labs (that is, permeability enhancers) are:
- thyroxine;
- progesterone;
- vitamin A;
- ultra-violet rays;
- x-ray radiation;
- oxygen and others
The opposite effect is exerted by:
- prednisone;
- cortisone, etc.
In different cells there is not the same number of lysosomes, most of them are cells that have the function of phagocytosis. Examples are macrophages or white blood cells. Also included 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 ones, one can distinguish:
- phagolysosomes;
- cytolysosomes;
- residual bodies.
Functions
Now we propose to isolate the few functions of lysosomes in the cell. So, here we can include:
- cellular digestion;
- autophagy;
- autolysis;
- dissolution of external structures.
Now we will briefly explain the meaning of these terms. You can read more about cellular digestion and autophagy a bit later. Now - about what function lysosomes perform in the death of cells.
This process is called autolysis. The lysosome membrane can be broken, which leads to the release of the enzymes in it. As a rule, they cease to fulfill their primary function, since they simply deactivate in the cytoplasm of the cell.
Violation of one cell is not a problem, but what happens if all lysosomes break their structure? Then the death of the cell itself occurs. A striking example of autolysis is the death of the tail in frog tadpoles.
Digestion
We mentioned earlier that lysosomes perform a digestive function in the cell . We invite you to consider this process in more detail. As already mentioned, lysosomes are divided into two groups, while the digestive vacuole is also secondary. It is she who performs the function of digestion in the cell. It is formed by the fusion of the phagosome and the primary lysosome.
The digestive vacuole is larger, reaching up to 1.2 microns. It contains a very large number of inclusions. Here is the processing of substances that have fallen into the cell. 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, the cell needs them to form new organelles.
Autophagy
And what function is performed in a lysosome cell? We have already said that among their appointments there is such as autophagy. This process is characterized by the capture of components in the cell and the destruction of lysosomes. In total, 3 types of autophagy are distinguished:
In the first case, the lysosome captures the debris and digests them to obtain energy or building material. This process can occur during fasting. During macroautophagy, a combination of autophagosomes and lysosomes occurs, which leads to the formation of autophagolysosomes. In the latter, the remnants of the footophagos are digested. The third species can be observed exclusively in mammals during stress. With this type of autophagy, targeted transport of proteins to lysosomes occurs.