Lysosomen en hun functies

Lysosomes: Golgi-derived vesicles with digestive enzymes

• Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles originating from the Golgi apparatus.
• Their primary function is intracellular digestion.
• They contain a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that function optimally in acidic conditions.

Functions of Lysosomes

• Cellular waste disposal: Lysosomes break down and recycle worn-out cellular components.
• Nutrient mobilization: They break down complex macromolecules like proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates into simpler units which the cell can re-use for energy or other functions.
• Defense against pathogens: Lysosomes can engulf and destroy invading pathogens (bacteria, viruses) through a process called phagocytosis. Lysosomes fuse with vacuoles containing the ingested material, releasing enzymes to digest the engulfed content and render the threat inactive.

Lysosomes and Immunity

• Lysosomes play a critical role in immune responses, particularly by mediating the destruction of harmful microorganisms.
• During phagocytosis, immune cells engulf pathogens, which are then enclosed within vacuoles. These vacuoles fuse with lysosomes.
• Lysosomal enzymes within the fusion complex degrade the engulfed pathogen, eliminating the threat.
• This process eliminates or neutralizes pathogens, preventing infection from spreading.