Lysosomes are called “suicide bags” because they contain powerful hydrolytic enzymes that can digest cellular components and, in some cases, the entire cell. If a lysosome’s membrane breaks down, these enzymes are released, leading to the cell’s destruction through a process called autolysis.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Hydrolytic Enzymes:
Lysosomes are filled with a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that break down various types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Cellular Digestion:
These enzymes are essential for digesting ingested food, removing cellular debris, and breaking down damaged organelles.
Autolysis:
Under certain circumstances, such as cell damage or aging, lysosomal membranes can rupture, releasing the enzymes into the cytoplasm. These enzymes then begin to break down the cell’s own components, leading to its destruction. This process of self-destruction is why lysosomes are known as “suicide bags”.