Why lysosome is known as suicidal bag of the cell ?

Question

Answer

If the cell gets damaged, then one of the lysosomes bursts, releasing those digestive enzymes. The released enzymes then digest their own cell and ultimately the cell dies. Hence, lysosomes are called suicide bags of the cell.

Answer

Answer

Lysosomes are known as suicidal bag of cell because if any cell get damaged or broken then lysosomes itself will break releasing some enzymes and destroy that cell and digest their own cells.

Answer

Lysosome: The Suicidal Bag of the Cell

Introduction:
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They are known as the 'suicidal bags' of the cell because of their ability to carry out self-destruction or autolysis. Lysosomes contain various hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Let's explore in detail why lysosomes are called the suicidal bags of the cell.

Autolysis:
Lysosomes play a crucial role in the process of autolysis, which is the controlled degradation of cellular components. When a cell is damaged, aging, or no longer functional, lysosomes release their digestive enzymes into the cytoplasm to break down cellular materials. This process helps in recycling the cell's components and removing any potential harmful substances.

Acidic Environment:
Lysosomes maintain an acidic pH, usually around 4.5-5, which is crucial for the optimal functioning of their hydrolytic enzymes. The acidic environment is created by the action of a proton pump located in the lysosomal membrane. This acidic pH is necessary to activate the enzymes and ensures their proper functioning. However, if the lysosomal membrane is damaged, it can lead to the release of these enzymes into the cytoplasm, causing autolysis of the cell.

Phagocytosis:
Lysosomes are also involved in the process of phagocytosis, where they fuse with phagosomes containing engulfed particles such as bacteria or dead cells. The enzymes released by the lysosomes help in breaking down these particles, thus aiding in the defense mechanism of the cell. However, if the lysosomes fail to function properly, the phagocytosed material may not get degraded, leading to the accumulation of waste materials and potential cell death.

Disease Association:
Defects or malfunctioning of lysosomes can result in various lysosomal storage disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease, Gaucher's disease, or Niemann-Pick disease. In these disorders, lysosomal enzymes are deficient, leading to the accumulation of undigested substances within the lysosomes. This accumulation can be toxic to the cell, causing cell death and eventually leading to severe health issues.

Conclusion:
In summary, lysosomes are known as the suicidal bags of the cell due to their ability to carry out autolysis and degrade cellular components. Their acidic environment and hydrolytic enzymes make them crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper functioning. However, any dysfunction or damage to the lysosomal membrane can lead to the release of these enzymes, causing cell death and various diseases.

Answer

Autoclave is a method of disinfection

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