Lysosomes and Their Functions

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to lysosomes, their functions, and related disorders.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes for digestion and recycling of cellular waste.

Hydrolase

An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a chemical bond, functioning optimally at low pH.

Acid hydrolases

A group of enzymes found in lysosomes that require acidic conditions to function.

Autophagy

The process by which cells recycle organelles and proteins through lysosomal degradation.

Mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptor

A receptor that recognizes and binds to lysosomal enzymes marked for transport to lysosomes.

Lysosomal storage disorder

Conditions caused by enzyme deficiencies in lysosomes, leading to an accumulation of substrates.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

A treatment that involves supplying missing enzymes to patients with lysosomal storage disorders.

Gaucher’s Disease

A lysosomal storage condition caused by a deficiency of the enzyme b-glucocerebrosidase.

Tay-Sachs Disease

A genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of Hexosaminidase A, leading to harmful buildup in neurons.

Gene therapy

A technique aimed at correcting genetic defects by delivering functional genes to patients.