Why do cells tend to die if their lysosomes are damaged and break open?
Cells tend to die if their lysosomes are damaged and break open because lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that are responsible for breaking down various substances within the cell, including waste products, old or damaged organelles, and even foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria.
When a lysosome breaks open or leaks, the digestive enzymes are released into the cell's cytoplasm, which is the internal fluid where cellular activities take place. These enzymes are highly potent and can break down various components and structures within the cell.
If the enzymes are not properly contained within the lysosome and start to degrade important molecules, it can lead to cellular dysfunction and ultimately cell death. The uncontrolled digestion of cellular structures disrupts the cell's normal functions and integrity, ultimately leading to its demise.