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= Phagolysosome = From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A phagolysosome -or endolysosome is a cytoplasmic body formed by the fusion of a phagosome with a lysosome in a process that occurs after phagocytosis.

The lysosome, containing hydrolytic enzymes digests the ingested particles in the phagosome when the phagosome migrates to the cytoplasm during phagocytosis. Membrane fusion of the phagosome and lysosome is regulated by Rab 5 protein. This G Protein allows the exchange of material between these two organelles but prevents complete fusion of their membranes. Formation of phagolysosomes are essential for the intracellular destruction of microorganisms and pathogens and requires an increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration. Research studies show that phagolysosomes may contain more carbon sources and nutrients than other organelles in the endo-lysosomal pathway.

When the membranes of the phagosome and lysosome 'collide',the lysosomal contents are discharged in an explosive manner and toxic molecules are released into the phagosome.Products of the digestion are either moved into the cytoplasm (useful materials) or exported by exocytosis.

Function and Structure
Phagolysosomes function by reducing the pH of their internal environment thus making them acidic.This serves as a defense mechanism against microbes and other harmful parasites and also provides a suitable medium for degradative enzyme activity.