Color enhanced transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of lysosomes. A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in nearly all animal cells. They are spherical vesicles which contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down virtually all kinds of biomolecules (waste materials and cellular debris). The name lysosome derives from the Greek words lysis, to separate, and soma, body. They are frequently nicknamed "suicide-bags" or "suicide-sacs" by cell biologists due to their role in autolysis, more commonly known as self-digestion, refers to the destruction of a cell through the action of its own enzymes. Magnification: 12,000x.