Why Is the Lysosome Capable of Intracellular Digestion? Find the Answer Here

Illustration (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - In biological science, the lysosome is a cell organelle that functions to repair membranes, destroy pathogens, and perform intracellular digestion. The question is, why is the lysosome able to perform intracellular digestion? To find out the answer, see the explanation in the article below.

Why are Lysosomes able to carry out Intracellular Digestion?

Based on information collected by VOI, lysosomes can perform intracellular digestion because they contain digestive enzymes. Inside the lysosomal cell membrane there are about 50 digestive enzymes that function to digest substances that enter the cell.

Quoted from the book The Cell: a Molecular Approach 2nd Edition (2000) by Cooper and Sunderland, all enzymes in the lysosome are acid hydrolases that are active at an acidic pH of about 5. The cytoplasm has a neutral pH, namely 7.2.

These digestive enzymes function to digest macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and also nucleic acids.

When food is absorbed by the cell, the lysosome will release digestive enzymes to break down complex molecules into simpler substances. This is to meet the needs of the cell.

If the body does not get food intake, lysosomal enzymes will digest other organelles in the cell to get nutrients.

In addition, digestive enzymes contained in the lysosomal cell membrane can also digest disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and antigens.

The digestive enzymes are stored in the lysosomes and surrounded by a membrane. This membrane keeps the lysosomes in an acidic environment to prevent the digestive enzymes from leaking.

If the lysosomal digestive enzyme bosor, the enzyme can digest all the organelles of the cell and make the cell die.

What Are the Functions of Lysosomes in Cells?

In general, the function of lysosomes in cells is divided into three main categories, namely:

Digesting food substances

The main function of the lysosome is to carry out intracellular digestion. This organelle works by digesting foreign substances such as bacteria that enter the cell through the process of phagocytosis. After the foreign substance is trapped, the lysosome will join the phagosome to form a phagolysosome, then the enzymes inside it destroy the particles.

Destroys Damaged Organelles

In biology, the process of destroying damaged organelles is known as autophagy. This process is carried out by destroying or recycling parts of the cell that are no longer functioning.

Cell Death (Autolysis)

Lysosomes can trigger cell death by destroying themselves when the cell is damaged or no longer needed.

More specifically, the role of lysosomes in the cell includes:

Destroys its own cells by releasing all the enzymes inside it. Digests foreign substances that enter the cell through phagocytosis (solid substances) and pinocytosis (xair substances). Reduces food reserves in the cell. Destroys old or damaged cell organelles so that they can no longer carry out their functions. Destroys harmful substances or foreign objects outside the cell. Eliminates foreign particles that enter the body.

This is an explanation of why lysosomes are able to perform intracellular digestion. Hopefully the above review can add insight to readers. For other news updates, read on VOI.ID.