Lysosomes are spherical organelles found only in animal cells that contain hydrolytic enzymes. They function as the waste disposal system for the cell by digesting unwanted materials through intracellular digestion. Lysosomes are bound by a single lipid membrane that protects the cell from the digestive enzymes within. They receive their enzymes from the rough endoplasmic reticulum and are produced by the Golgi apparatus. A lack of proper lysosome function can lead to a buildup of waste and cell death.

1. LysosomeSiddharthTirumala, Costa Demopoulos, SeoHee Hwang

2. FunctionFound only in animal cellsFilled with enzymes for intercellular digestionWaste Disposal System that is inside of cellEssential to all eukaryotic cellsIf it is not functioning properly, there would be an accumulation of unwanted materials, which would lead to the death of the cell

3. Relevant StructuresFilled with hydrolytic and digestive enzymesSpherical bag-like structure that are bound by a single layer membrane that surrounds itThe membrane acts as a protective barrier that protects the rest of the cell from the enzymes that are contained within the lysosome.

4. Picture/Visual

5. AllianceGolgi Apparatus, because Lysosomes are manufactured by the Golgi ApparatusRough Endoplasmic Reticulum, because the enzymes are made by the Rough ER

6. Which Organelle Should Go?Vacuole, because it only stores materials temporarilyWe believe that the cell could function without itWe also believe that they are relatively less important compared with other organelles in the cell

7. URL’sInformation URL’shttp://www.buzzle.com/articles/lysosome-structure.htmlhttp://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_lysosome.htmlPicture URL’shttp://blog.cunysustainablecities.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/trashcan.jpghttp://www.biology4kids.com/files/art/cell_lysosome1.gif