Name the cleansing organelle in the cell

Lysosomes are small, single-membrane-bound organelles filled with lytic enzymes capable of breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They play a vital role in digesting metabolic wastes within the cell and expelling them through exocytosis.

Exocytosis is the process by which solute particles and water are expelled from the cell with the help of vesicles.

Polymorphic Nature of Lysosomes

Lysosomes are called polymorphic organelles because they exist in different forms depending on their function:

1. Primary Lysosome
   • Contains inactive enzymes.
   • Formed at the trans face of the Golgi apparatus.
2. Secondary Lysosome
   • Also called heterophagosomes or digestive vacuoles.
   • Formed when primary lysosomes fuse with phagosomes containing ingested material.
3. Residual Bodies
   • Formed when secondary lysosomes contain undigested particles.
   • They eventually participate in exocytosis to eliminate waste.
4. Autophagic Vacuoles
   • Known as the “suicidal bags” of the cell.
   • Digest malfunctioning organelles or trigger cell death (apoptosis) when necessary.
   • Responsible for events like the disappearance of larval organs during metamorphosis, through a process called autolysis.