The organelles that contain enzymes responsible for breaking down old cell parts are called lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They contain a variety of enzymes, known as hydrolases, which are capable of breaking down various biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.
Lysosomes play a crucial role in the cell’s waste disposal system. They digest and recycle old cell parts, foreign invaders like bacteria, and other cellular debris. This process is essential for maintaining cellular health and homeostasis. When a cell part becomes old or damaged, it is enclosed in a membrane to form a vesicle, which then fuses with a lysosome. The enzymes inside the lysosome break down the contents of the vesicle into simpler molecules, which can be reused by the cell.
In addition to their role in waste disposal, lysosomes are also involved in other cellular processes such as autophagy, where they help in the degradation and recycling of cellular components, and apoptosis, where they contribute to programmed cell death.