\begin{tabular}{c|c}\hline Single-membrane \\ organelle that contains \\ digestive enzymes used \\ for breaking down \\ damaged or foreign \\ materials within the cell \end{tabular}

Did you know that lysosomes, the powerhouse of cellular digestion, were first discovered in the 1950s by a scientist named Christian de Duve? He found these small organelles while exploring rat liver cells and realized they were pivotal for breaking down macromolecules, earning him a Nobel Prize! Imagine these tiny clean-up crews tirelessly working to keep our cells healthy by recycling waste and old organelle parts. In the real world, lysosomes play a crucial role in various health conditions. For instance, when they malfunction, they can lead to lysosomal storage diseases like Tay-Sachs or Gaucher’s disease, where harmful substances accumulate in cells. These conditions can have significant impacts on health, highlighting the importance of these cellular organelles and the need for ongoing research to develop effective treatments. Who knew cell maintenance was so critical for our well-being?