BOTANY WITH BASICS OF HYDROBOTANY (AQUATIC PLANTS OF UKRAINE) - B.E. Yakubenko - 2011

V. CYTOLOGY. CONCEPT OF THE CELL

Structure of the Plant Cell

Lysosomes

Spherical, single-membrane Organelles (0.2–0.8 µm in size) that originate from elements of the Endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The lysosome matrix contains a complex of hydrolytic Enzymes that catalyze The breakdown of Nucleic Acids, Proteins, CARBOHYDRATES, and Lipids. The breakdown products enter the cytoplasmic matrix for utilization or are transported via vesicles into vacuoles.

The primary function of Lysosomes is local autolysis, i.e., the breakdown (Digestion) of specific areas of The Cell's own Cytoplasm. Local autolysis serves a protective mechanism: during temporary nutrient shortages, the cell recycles its own constitutional components. However, under prolonged starvation, the continuous activity of lysosomes leads to the degradation of all organelles, ultimately resulting in cell death.

Another function is the removal of worn-out, unnecessary, or excess organelles.