LYSOSOME

GRAPHIC ID: LYS01

GRAPHIC SET

ANIMATION

ANIMATION DESCRIPTION

Lysosome animation, Stomach of the Cell animation
This Lysosome animation shows the function of a Lysosome. Lysosomes are subcellular organelles, containing acid hydrolase enzymes. They are surrounded by a membrane, which maintains an acidic environment. Lysosomes break down waste materials and cellular debris in this environment. Sometimes referred to as the stomach of the cell, Lysosomes digest macromolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. Lysosomes also engulf viruses and bacteria. Lysosomes originate by budding off from the membrane of the trans-Golgi network, a region of the Golgi complex (see Golgi Bodies animation).