Structure of the Cell - Lysosome - “Suicidal Bag”

Lysosomes are membrane-bound sacs filled with digestive enzymes. It breaks foreign materials entering the cell, such as bacteria, food, and old organelles, into small pieces. Lysosomes digest the waste.

• It contains powerful digestive enzymes, which are made in RER.
• During the disturbance in cellular metabolism, such as when the cell gets damaged, lysosomes may burst, and the enzymes digest their own cell. Therefore, lysosomes are also known as the suicide bag of a cell.

Lysosomes

1. Lysosomes help destroy harmful viruses and bacteria that attack the cell.
2. They act as "demolition squads" by breaking down worn-out cellular parts and organic debris.
3. When a cell is old or damaged, lysosomes burst, releasing enzymes that digest the cell itself (suicide bags).
4. During starvation, lysosomes break down stored proteins and fats to provide energy for the body.