What is the primary function of lysosomes in a cell?

Lysosomes play a critical role in cellular maintenance and management, primarily functioning as the cell's waste disposal system. Their primary role is to digest and break down cellular waste, damaged organelles, and foreign invaders like bacteria. This process is made possible by lysosomes containing a variety of enzymes that can degrade different types of biological polymers, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

By effectively digesting these materials, lysosomes help maintain cellular homeostasis and prevent the accumulation of debris within the cell. This digestion process is essential for recycling cellular components and enabling the cell to use those components for new cell structures or energy. Additionally, lysosomes can also be involved in processes like autophagy, where they recycle organelles that are no longer functioning.