Questions and Answers
What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?
What does the root 'lys' in lysosome mean?
What is the process called when lysosomes digest molecules that are part of the cell itself?
What happens to the broken-down molecules after lysosomes finish digesting them?
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What is an example of autophagy in the immune system?
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What is crinophagy?
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What is broken down into individual amino acids by lysosomes?
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What is the ultimate fate of the broken-down molecules by lysosomes?
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What is the primary function of the acidic environment within a lysosome?
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What would happen if many lysosomes were to burst simultaneously in a cell?
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What is the main function of peroxisomes in liver cells?
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What is the by-product of certain cellular enzyme activities that peroxisomes isolate?
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What is the enzyme responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide in peroxisomes?
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What is the pH of the cytoplasm in a cell?
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Why is the acidic environment of lysosomes a safety mechanism for the cell?
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What is the result of the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by catalase in peroxisomes?
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Study Notes
Lysosomes
- Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that digest various molecules and substances within a cell.
- The root "lys" means "to cut or digest".
- Lysosomes have two main functions: Autophagy and Crinophagy.
Autophagy
- Autophagy means "self-eating" and involves the digestion of molecules that are part of the cell itself or other cells.
- Examples of autophagy include:
- Breaking down non-functional organelles, such as old mitochondria.
- Digesting engulfed bacteria and viruses in macrophages of the immune system.
Crinophagy
- Crinophagy involves the digestion of excess secretory products.
- Example: Breaking down excess hormones produced by a cell.
- In both Autophagy and Crinophagy, the lysosomes release the broken-down molecules into the cytoplasm as building blocks, which can be reused by the cell.
Environment in Lysosomes
- The enzymes in lysosomes, known as acid hydrolases, require an acidic environment to work properly.
- The pH inside a lysosome is approximately 5, which acts as a safety mechanism for the cell.
- If a lysosome were to burst, the acid hydrolases would not function properly in the cytoplasm due to its higher pH (approximately 7.4).
Peroxisomes
- Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles responsible for various metabolic activities.
- They are similar to lysosomes but have different functions.
- Examples of peroxisome functions include:
- Lipid break down in some cells.
- Detoxifying chemicals and drugs in liver cells.
- Peroxisomes contain enzymes, including catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a by-product of certain enzyme activities and is dangerous to the cell if not isolated and broken down.
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Description
Learn about the roles of lysosomes in cellular digestion, including autophagy and crinophagy. Understand how they break down molecules and substances within cells.