lysosome

noun

ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes see cell illustration
lysosomal adjective

Examples of lysosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Essentially, old cells and any intrusive particles – Zheng’s team used gold nanoparticles in their experiment – are enclosed in the cell lysosome and eventually get pushed out from the kidney’s surface, while the contents of the cells are renewed. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023 After the spike protein attaches to an ACE2 receptor, scientists believe that the membrane surrounding the cell may then engulf the virus to bring it inside and transport it to a lysosome. Tim Vernimmen, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2020 That single-letter insertion the Broad researchers had sniffed out jumbles the genetic script from that point on, resulting in a pile-up of mangled, misshapen, mucus-producing proteins that couldn’t be shredded by the cellular trash can, the lysosome. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 2 May 2022 This allows the virus’s genetic material to escape from the lysosome into the cell. Tim Vernimmen, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2020 Too much beta-CTF inhibits the lysosome’s acidification system. Quanta Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022 Its main task is to shuttle cellular detritus to the lysosome, an organelle containing digestive enzymes, where it can be chewed up and recycled. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 According to a study published in April 2020, mutations identified in the nonstructural protein NSP6 and open reading frame Orf10 likely prevent autophagosomes from delivering material to the lysosome. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 These drugs work by impairing a part of the cell called the lysosome, which basically breaks down and gets rid of cellular garbage. Popular Science, 15 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lysosome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary lys- + -some entry 3

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lysosome was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near lysosome

Cite this Entry

“Lysosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lysosome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lysosome

noun
ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike organelle that contains enzymes which can break down materials (as food particles and waste) within a cell

Medical Definition

lysosome

noun
ly·​so·​some ˈlī-sə-ˌsōm How to pronounce lysosome (audio)
: a saclike cellular organelle that contains various hydrolytic enzymes
lysosomal adjective
lysosomally adverb

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