lysosome

American  

[lahy-suh-sohm] / ˈlaɪ səˌsoʊm /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a cell organelle containing enzymes that digest particles and that disintegrate the cell after its death.

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lysosome British  

/ ˈlaɪsəˌsəʊm /

noun

1. any of numerous small particles, containing digestive enzymes, that are present in the cytoplasm of most cells

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lysosome Scientific  

/ lī′sə-sōm′ /

1. A cell organelle that is surrounded by a membrane, has an acidic interior, and contains hydrolytic enzymes that break down food molecules, especially proteins and other complex molecules. Lysosomes fuse with vacuoles to digest their contents. The digested material is then transported across the organelle's membrane for use in or transport out of the cell.

2. See more at cell

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Other Word Forms

• lysosomal adjective

Etymology

Origin of lysosome

First recorded in 1950–55; lyso- + -some ³

Example Sentences

But scientists have also linked Alzheimer's to many other factors, including tau proteins, lysosomes, chronic inflammation, immune cells called microglia, and additional biological processes.

From Science Daily

The results showed a significant reduction in the activity of genes linked to lysosome function.

From Science Daily

They transport enzymes to organelles called lysosomes to help break down other molecules.

From Science Magazine

In mammalian cells, YKT6 mediates the fusion of two cellular organelles -- the autophagosomes and lysosomes to form autolysosomes -- within which 'used' cellular proteins, lipids, and other molecules are degraded and recycled back for future use.

From Science Daily

Cells called fibroblasts and macrophages pick up collagen fragments for degradation in lysosomes, the trash compactors of cells.

From Science Daily