A structure within the cytoplasm of the cell (an organelle) that breaks down waste products and cellular debris from within the cell and from outside the cell. The lysosome also plays a key role in recycling sugars, proteins, lipids, and more generally, recycling components of cellular structures such as the cell membrane. Lysosomes are responsible for cellular equilibrium for their involvements in secretion, plasma membrane repair, cell signaling and energy metabolism, which are related to health and diseases. Lysosomal storage diseases occur when some aspect of lysosomal function is compromised.
