What is the function of lysosome

From a medical point of view, the mysteries of the human body have not yet been fully revealed. On this earth, humans are the most amazing species. Even a tiny human cell can have earth-shaking functions. Friends who often study the human body will definitely know that there are various substances in the human body, such as lysosomes. So, what is the function of lysosomes?

Lysosomes have two functions: one is to fuse with food vacuoles to digest large particles such as food or pathogens engulfed by the cell into biological macromolecules, and the residues are discharged from the cell through exocytosis; the other is that during the process of cell differentiation, certain aging organelles and biological macromolecules are trapped in lysosomes and digested, which is necessary for the body to renew its own tissues.

The main function of lysosomes is digestion. They are the digestive organs within cells. Cell autolysis, defense, and the utilization of certain substances are all related to the digestive function of lysosomes.

Intracellular digestion: For higher animals, the nutrients of cells mainly come from macromolecules in the blood, and some macromolecules enter the cells through endocytosis, such as endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein to obtain cholesterol. For some unicellular eukaryotes, the digestive function of lysosomes is even more important.

Apoptosis: The process of individual development often involves the transformation or reconstruction of tissues or organs, such as the metamorphosis of insects and frogs. This process is genetically controlled and is called programmed cell death. Cells destined for elimination bud out to form apoptotic bodies, which are engulfed and digested by macrophages.

Autophagy: clearing away useless biomacromolecules and aging organelles in cells. For example, the half-life of many biomacromolecules is only a few hours to a few days, and the average lifespan of mitochondria in liver cells is about 10 days.

Defensive function: For example, phagocytes can ingest pathogens, kill and degrade them in lysosomes.

Participates in the regulation of secretory processes, such as the degradation of thyroglobulin into active thyroxine.

Forming the sperm acrosome: The acrosome is equivalent to a chemical drill that can dissolve through the cortex of the egg, allowing the sperm to enter the egg.

All white blood cells contain granules of a lysosomal nature that can destroy invading microorganisms. However, some pathogenic bacteria (such as Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc.) can withstand the action of lysosomal enzymes and thus survive inside macrophages. Lysosomes also play an important role in pathological processes. As lung macrophages phagocytize inhaled silica or asbestos dust, lysosome rupture and hydrolase release occur, stimulating the increase of connective tissue fibers and leading to the occurrence of silicosis. Tissue hypoxia (such as myocardial infarction) can also cause the acute release of lysosomes, causing the concentration of related enzymes in the blood to increase rapidly.