Figure 3.

Macroautophagy (Autophagy) is a controlled cell process of self-cannibalization that can be used to generate energy, and survive, in the face of stress. Autophagosomes ensnare cytoplasmic organelles and proteins within a double membrane vesicle which fuses with a lysosome containing proteinases that digest the cargo, thereby releasing degradation products for recycling or energy production. Chloroquine interferes with autophagy by altering the lysosome pH which blocks the fusion of the autophagosome with the lysosome thereby suppressing the digestion of the cargo.