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Lysosome - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Lysosome : (noun)
1: an organelle found in the cytoplasm of most cells
(especially in leukocytes and liver and kidney cells)
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Lysosome : Lysosome: An organelle (a little organ) in a cell containing enzymes that degrade macromolecules (large molecules) and other items (such as bacteria ) taken up by a cell during the process
of endocytosis.
In endocytosis, macromolecules and particles outside the cell are taken up by the cell via a progressive invagination (inpouching) and eventual pinching off of a region of the cell membrane, forming
a membrane-bound cytoplasm of the cell.
The vesicle then fuses with the lysosome and the lysosomal enzymes carry out their appointed task of destruction (by hydrolysis). Amazingly, the lysosomal enzymes do not normally damage the cell
itself.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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