Autophagy-lysosome pathway

The autophagy-lysosome pathway is a cellular process where the cell cleans itself by breaking down and recycling damaged or unnecessary components. Think of it as the cell's way of tidying up. During autophagy, a part of the cell encloses these unwanted materials in a structure called an autophagosome, which then merges with a lysosome, a compartment filled with enzymes that digest the contents. This process helps maintain cell health, provides energy, and supports overall function by removing potentially harmful substances and aiding in cellular renewal. It's crucial for normal cellular maintenance and responses to stress.