Lysosome is a small structure within a living cell used in the break down of food and other materials. A lysosome contains powerful chemicals called enzymes that can break down proteins, fats, and other substances. Lysosomes can be found in many cells, and a single cell may have many lysosomes. Each lysosome looks like a tiny ball.
One major function of lysosomes is to digest food particles. To do this, a lysosome joins with a food vacuole, a storage compartment in the cell that contains food. The enzymes break down the food into small molecules. These simple molecules then scatter out of the lysosome and into the cytoplasm, the jellylike material that fills the cell.
Lysosomes also digest faulty or malfunctioning organelles. An organelle is any of the many small, organlike structures within a cell with a specialized function. Lysosomes take apart unwanted organelles, enabling the cell to reuse valuable materials. These materials pass out of the lysosome for use in building new materials or structures as needed.
The enzymes in a lysosome can break down almost any material found in the cell. A special membrane (covering) around the lysosome protects the rest of the cell from the enzymes.
