1. Enzyme content: Lysosomes contain 40-50 types of enzymes. Nuclease (DNA-ase, RNA-ase), acid phosphatase, aryl phosphatase, acid lipase, phospholipase, esterase, sucrase, sulfatase, dextronase, lysozyme, collagenase etc. Enzymes are active in acidic environment.
2. Intracellular Metabolism: Lysosomes participate in the intracellular metabolism of cells.
3. Germ-eating: Germs are eaten by the process of pinocytosis and phagocytosis.
4. Autolysis: During acute digestion, the cell wall ruptures and enzymes are released to destroy other organelles. This is called autolysis.
5. Suicide Squad: Autolysis destroys useless body cells. Finally the whole body is destroyed. So it is called suicidal bag or squad.
6. Cell Division: Lysosomes stimulate mitosis in cell division. Helps break down the nuclear membrane.
7. Hormone secretion: It helps in hormone secretion.
8. Metabolism: Lysosomes play a role in the transformation of organisms. Extinction of body parts, especially the frog’s tail.
9. Heterophagy: Enzymes in lysosomes oxidize food and bacteria. This process is called heterophagy.
10. Metabolism: Enzymes in lysosomes convert proteins into dipeptides and sugars into monosaccharides. They produce keratin for cells.
11. Enzyme action: Spermlysin (hyaluronidase) enzyme is secreted from sperm lysosomes. Spermlysin dissolves the ovum wall to form the entrance. It binds the dissolving enzymes so that other cells are protected.
12. Body Defense: Lysosomes in white blood cells help in body defense.
13. Keratin production: Lysosomes produce keratin for the cells.
14. Bone formation: Enzymes released from lysosomes play a special role during bone formation from cartilage.
15. Cell membrane destruction: Golgibodies help in cell and nuclear membrane breakdown. It contains phosphatase enzyme which dissolves tissue.
16. Diseases: Nuclease enzyme released from lysosome causes blood cancer and thyroxine hormone causes hepatitis and polynephritis. Cartilage wears down in rheumatoid arthritis due to the action of lysosomal enzymes.