What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Lysosomes?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main differences between primary and secondary lysosomes are:

  1. Origin: Primary lysosomes are formed from the Golgi apparatus, while secondary lysosomes are formed by the fusion of a primary lysosome with an endosome or phagosome.
  2. Size: Primary lysosomes are smaller in size, while secondary lysosomes are larger.
  3. Digestive Enzymes: Primary lysosomes contain inactive digestive enzymes in the form of granules, while secondary lysosomes have functioning digestive enzymes.
  4. Digestion: Primary lysosomes do not go through digestion, whereas secondary lysosomes do.
  5. Disposal of Content: Primary lysosomes are unable to dispose of their content to the outside of the cell, while secondary lysosomes can.

In summary, primary lysosomes are small, inactive vesicles that bud off from the Golgi apparatus, while secondary lysosomes are larger, active vesicles formed by the fusion of a primary lysosome with an endosome or phagosome. Secondary lysosomes are involved in the digestion and disposal of various materials, both endogenous and extracellular.

Comparative Table: Primary vs Secondary Lysosomes

Here is a table comparing the differences between primary and secondary lysosomes:

Feature Primary Lysosomes Secondary Lysosomes
Formation Formed from the Golgi apparatus (GA) Formed by the fusion of a primary lysosome and an endosome
Size Smaller in size Larger in size
Enzymes Contain inactive digestive enzymes in the form of granules Have functioning digestive enzymes
Digestion Do not go through digestion Go through digestion
Disposal of Content Unable to dispose their content to the outside of the cell Can dispose their content to the outside of the cell

Primary lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that bud from the Golgi apparatus and contain acid hydrolase enzymes. They are smaller in size and have inactive digestive enzymes. Secondary lysosomes, on the other hand, are formed by the fusion of a primary lysosome and an endosome. They are larger in size, have active digestive enzymes, and can dispose their content to the outside of the cell.