In 1955, de Duve reported the observation of cytoplasmic particles termed lysosomes which were associated with at least five distinct acid-hydrolases. The corroboration, elucidation, and fundamental biologic implication of this new concept of an intracellular particle-linked grouping of enzymes has occupied many investigations over the ensuing ten years. This volume is the record of some of these results, presented as a CIBA Foundation Symposium on Lysosomes held in Dr. de Duve's honor, Feb 12-14, 1963.
The proceedings are appropriately divided into four major aspects: (1) general properties of lysosomes, (2) lysosomes and endocytosis, (3) lysosomes and developmental processes, and (4) lysosomes and pathologic cell damage.
The salient facets of the lysosome concept which emerge are: (1) Lysosomes are intracellular particles or "bags" containing a group of acid-hydrolases (acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease, cathepsin, β-glucuronidase, and several others) which, when released, are biologically active in cellular exocytosis, endocytosis, and autolysis. These enzymes