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AAT Bioquest

What is the structure of lysosomes?

Posted October 14, 2022


Answer

Lysosomes are spherical shaped, membrane-bound organelles contained by an outer lysosomal membrane. Their spheres are composed of a lipid bilayer that encompasses fluid of different hydrolytic enzymes. The lipid bilayer is composed of typical phospholipids, with a hydrophilic head, a glycerol molecule, and a hydrophobic tail. Lysosomes are very small in size, typically ranging from 0.1-0.5 micrometers, and reaching up to 1.2 micrometers maximum. The purpose of the outer membrane is to protect the rest of the cell from the digestive enzymes which stay inside the membrane.    

Additional resources

Lysosomes

LysoBrite™ NIR

CytoFix™ Red Lysosomal Stain