How does the lysosome contribute to cellular toxicity?
Lysosomes are organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. They play a crucial role in cellular homeostasis through their involvement in autophagy, a process that degrades and recycles cellular components. Toxins can impair lysosomal function, leading to the accumulation of undegraded materials and cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, certain toxicants can cause the release of lysosomal enzymes into the cytoplasm, resulting in lysosomal membrane permeabilization, which can trigger cell death.
