Phagolysosome
Phagolysosome
Phagolysosome (pronounced: fag-o-ly-so-some) is a cytoplasmic body formed by the fusion of a phagosome and a lysosome in a process during phagocytosis.
Etymology
The term "Phagolysosome" is derived from the Greek words "phagein" meaning "to eat", "lysis" meaning "loosening", and "soma" meaning "body".
Definition
A phagolysosome is a vesicle formed within a cell in the process of phagocytosis by the fusion of the membrane of a phagosome with that of a lysosome. The lysosome contributes digestive enzymes which help in the breakdown of the ingested material inside the phagosome.
Function
The primary function of a phagolysosome is to degrade or break down foreign particles or microorganisms that have been engulfed by a cell during the process of phagocytosis. The lysosomal enzymes within the phagolysosome break down the engulfed material into simpler substances that can be used by the cell.
Related Terms
- Phagocytosis: The process by which cells engulf particles to form a phagosome.
- Phagosome: A vesicle formed around a particle engulfed by a cell during phagocytosis.
- Lysosome: A cell organelle containing enzymes that digest particles and that can digest the cell itself if it dies.
- Endocytosis: The process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phagolysosome
- Wikipedia's article - Phagolysosome
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