key term - Lysosome

Definition

A lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. It can be thought of as the waste disposal system of the cell, ensuring that the cell remains healthy by removing unwanted materials.

Related terms

Autophagy: The process by which cells break down and recycle their own components using lysosomes.

Phagocytosis:

The process by which a cell engulfs solid particles to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome, which lysosomes then fuse with to digest the engulfed material.

Endocytosis:

The process through which cells internalize molecules (such as proteins) from their surroundings by engulfing them in an energy-using process