Lysosomes are essential organelles within the cell that contain digestive enzymes. Their primary function is to break down waste materials, cellular debris, and non-functional organelles. When lysosomes fuse with these materials, they digest them into smaller molecules that can either be recycled for use by the cell or eliminated entirely. This process is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell, as it prevents the buildup of unnecessary or potentially harmful substances. By effectively removing non-functional organelles and waste, lysosomes help to ensure that the cell has adequate space to function properly and that cellular processes can occur without obstruction.