Would a cell make enzymes for other cells? For example, would a cell make a lysosomal enzyme and send it to a different cell?
Yes, certain cells can produce enzymes that are utilized by other cells. This process is known as cellular communication or cell-to-cell signaling. However, rather than directly sending enzymes to other cells, cells usually produce and release signaling molecules that are detected by receptor proteins on neighboring cells.
In the case of lysosomal enzymes, these enzymes are primarily responsible for breaking down various molecules within the cell. They are typically localized within lysosomes, which are membrane-bound compartments present in almost all animal cells. Lysosomal enzymes are crucial for intracellular digestion and recycling of cellular components.
When a cell requires lysosomal enzymes, it is not directly provided by another cell. Instead, the production of lysosomal enzymes is regulated by a process called endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi-to-lysosome pathway. In this pathway, the cell produces lysosomal enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and further modifies them in the Golgi apparatus. Finally, the mature lysosomal enzymes are transported to lysosomes within the same cell, where they can break down various substances.
However, there are instances where lysosomal enzymes can be released outside of the cell. This is observed in certain pathological conditions or during the immune response, where lysosomal enzymes are secreted by immune cells to aid in the breakdown of foreign substances or pathogens. The released lysosomal enzymes can help degrade and eliminate harmful substances in the extracellular space or within other cells.
In summary, while cells do not typically directly produce and send lysosomal enzymes to other cells, they play a crucial role in cellular communication and can release these enzymes into the extracellular space during certain situations to aid in the breakdown of various substances.