Lysosomes and Their Enzymes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to lysosomes and their functions, including enzyme types and processes involved.

Lysosome

A membrane-bound organelle that contains digestive enzymes.

Autophagy

The process by which cellular components are degraded and recycled.

Autolysis

The self-digestion or degradation of cell components by its own enzymes.

Acid hydrolases

Enzymes that function optimally at acidic pH and are found in lysosomes.

Proton pump

A protein that transports protons (H+) across a membrane against their concentration gradient, using ATP.

Enzymatic digestion

The breakdown of organic compounds by enzymes into smaller molecules.

Substrate

The reactant on which an enzyme works.

Product

The end result of a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme.

Nucleases

Enzymes that degrade nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Proteases

Enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids.

Lipases

Enzymes that break down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.