lysosomes

[evusq]

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i thought lysosomes contain hydrolases that are only active in acidic environment provided by the membranes. so i understood that if hydrolases happened to leak, it doesn't destroy other parts of the cell b/c it's not activated at cellular pH. but then the book also says under some conditions, lysosomes will rupture and the released contents will kill the cell... is that true, and if so, how do you distinguish what will happen- whether the enzymes will be inactive or when they actually kill the cell?

 

[lDanny]

When it is talking about killing the cell, I think it is talking about Apoptosis, (programmed cell death). It could occur when there is injury to the cell or disposal of waste (ie the introns). Lysosomes are also used during the differentiation of the fingers and toes, it breaks down the webbing between them. I hope that helps a bit.

 

[jajo]

Look up "autolysis" on wikipedia