Localization and intensity of three lysosomal enzymes such as acid phosphatase, β-glucuronidase and N-aceytl-β-glucosaminidase in HeLa cells were examined during the course of cultivation. Acid phosphatase showed the most intense reaction. Localization and intensity of acid phosphatase were varied in different cell groups. Such varieties were classified as Type I to Type IV. Type I indicated young cells wherein stained granules were localized in the Golgi area. Type II indicated young cells with diffusely scattered, stained granules. Type III indicated rounded dying cells, and the whole cell was stained. Type IV indicated cells wherein the enzyme activity was almost negative. The quantitative activity of acid phosphatase was found to be high when young cells, Type I, grew in the earlier stage and when young cells, Type II, increased in the intermediate stage, and became lower as cells, Type IV, increased in the later stage. Thus, the lysosomal enzyme activity in HeLa cells seemed to consist of two factors; one is the primary lysosomes indicating cellular growth or cellular activity, the other is the secondary lysosomes indicating cellular degradation.
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