EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Containing acid and several types of digestive enzymes, lysosomes digest unwanted organelles in a process termed autophagy, from the Greek words for “self” and “eat.” The multipurpose lysosome also processes proteins, bacteria and other “food” the cell has engulfed.

Detailed explanation-2: -As most high schoolers learn, the lysosome carries out waste disposal and recycling. In a process known as autophagy (meaning “self-eating”), it takes in old cellular components and unneeded large molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and sugars, and digests them with the help of enzymes and acids.

Detailed explanation-3: -They break down excess or worn-out cell parts. They may be used to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. If the cell is damaged beyond repair, lysosomes can help it to self-destruct in a process called programmed cell death, or apoptosis.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lysosomes act as the clean-up crew of the cell. They are filled with enzymes that break down macromolecules into smaller molecules, which are then used to nourish the cell. They can digest peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. This is how cells recycle materials like amino acids and glucose.

Detailed explanation-5: -Macrophages and microglia are the waste collectors of the body. They clean up dead cells, foreign particles, and microbes-whatever needs tidying up or clearing out. This function, known as endocytosis, has been the career focus of Frederick Maxfield, Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, for over three decades.