Lysosomes are an extremely important part to cell life. These small membrane bound organelles contain powerful digestive enzymes, that break down any waist or harmful products produced or ingested by the cell. Any damaged or worn out organelles will be sent to this organelle.

Observe the video to the right. This is a cell from your immune system (phagocyte), chasing a bacteria cell. When the phagocyte catches the bacteria it will engulf it through phagocytosis and move it directly to the lysosomes. These Lysosomes will breakdown the bacteria.

Lysosomes also play apart in Necrosis (Unplanned cell death) and Apoptosis (controlled cell death).