Which of the following are the functions of lysosomes?

(a) Autolysis

(b) Autophagy

(c) Digestion

(d) All of the above

(d) All of the above

All the options listed—autolysis, autophagy, and digestion—are critical functions performed by lysosomes.

• Digestion: This is the primary role of lysosomes. They contain powerful enzymes to break down materials brought into the cell from the outside (like bacteria or food particles) and to digest cellular waste.¹
• Autophagy: This is the process of "self-eating," where lysosomes engulf and break down the cell's own old or damaged organelles, such as mitochondria. This allows the cell to recycle valuable materials and maintain its health.²
• Autolysis: Also known as programmed cell death, this is the process where lysosomes rupture and release their enzymes to digest the entire cell. This "self-destruct" mechanism is why they are often called the "suicide bags" of the cell, and it's used to eliminate cells that are damaged or no longer needed.