Biology / Unit 2 Bio 0281 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Lysosomes
Captions available
The idea
A lysosome is an animal-cell organelle that digests proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and worn-out organelles using enzymes active at low pH.
In practice
A macrophage engulfs a bacterium into a vesicle, which then fuses with a lysosome so the enzymes inside can destroy the pathogen.
Where people slip
Most plant cells lack lysosomes and carry out equivalent digestion inside the vacuole instead.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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