HealthAugust 10, 2026
lysosomes
LY-suh-sohmz
Definition
Membrane-bound cell organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'lysis' meaning 'loosening' or 'dissolution' and 'soma' meaning 'body,' reflecting their function as the cell's 'disposal' or 'digestive' system.
In the news
In the context of cancer research, lysosomes are highlighted for their role in metabolism and how they potentially recycle or break down proteins to fuel tumor growth.
Mapping how metabolism rewires protein function in cancer
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!