lysosome

Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain acid hydrolase enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris. They can be described as the stomach of the cell. They are found in animal cells, while in yeast and plants the same roles are performed by lytic vacuoles.

Lysosomes digest excess or worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulf viruses or bacteria. The membrane around a lysosome allows the digestive enzymes to work at the 4.5 pH they require.

Lysosomes were discovered by the Belgian cytologist Christian de Duve in the 1960s.