Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of enzymes capable of breaking down all types of biological polymers—proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Lysosomes thus represent morphologically diverse organelles defined by the common function of degrading intracellular material.
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles with roles in processes involved in degrading and recycling cellular waste, cellular signalling and energy metabolism.
Defects in genes encoding lysosomal protein cause lysosomal storage disorders,in which enzyme replacement therapy has proved successful.