Functions of Organelles: Lysosomes

These are cellular organelles found in animals they have many functions including breaking down waste materials as well as cellular debris using acid hydrolase enzymes. The digestive enzymes of a lysosome works around a pH of 4.5, it is the membrane surrounding this organelle that allows for these enzymes to work at this pH. Lysosomes contains a variety of enzymes namely, protease, amylase, phosphoric acid and lipase.

Below are some common functions of lysosomes:

• Lysosomes as stated above, contains numerous amounts of enzymes, some of these enzymes are capable of digesting a wide variety of substances.
• They are capable of digesting membranes and organelles, this function is of great importance because it allows cells to remodel or replace old organelles.
• They are often called “suicide bags” because of their ability to rapidly digest an entire old cell.
• Digesting foreign bacteria and other waste substances.
• Digesting macromolecules.