Lysosomes
Definition
Lysosomes are small organelles filled with enzymes that help break down waste materials and cellular debris inside cells.
Analogy
Consider lysosomes as the garbage disposal or recycling center of the cell. They take in waste products and unwanted materials, break them down, and either dispose of them or recycle them for future use.
Related terms
Endocytosis: A process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them. These molecules often end up in lysosomes.
Autophagy: A process where a cell recycles its own components using lysosomes.
Enzymes: Proteins that speed up chemical reactions. Lysosomes contain many different types of enzymes to break down various substances.
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