Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They contain various hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down different kinds of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Structure of Lysosomes

Lysosomes are typically spherical in shape and have a single lipid bilayer membrane that encloses their internal content. The enzymes within lysosomes are maintained at an acidic pH, which is necessary for their optimal activity.

Functions of Lysosomes

Lysosomes play a crucial role in intracellular digestion, recycling of cellular components, and defense against pathogens. They are involved in the breakdown of macromolecules derived from endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. Lysosomes also help in the removal of damaged organelles and cellular waste through a process known as autophagy.

Study Guide

What is the main function of lysosomes in a cell?
Describe the structure of lysosomes.
How do lysosomes maintain an acidic pH?
Explain the role of lysosomes in intracellular digestion.
What is autophagy and how are lysosomes involved in this process?

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?

Vocabulary/Answer key

What is science?

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).

Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).