Journey into the Cell: Peroxisomes
[ Journey into the Cell > The Nucleus > Ribosomes > Mitochondria > Endoplasmic Reticulum > Golgi Complex > Lysosomes > Peroxisomes > Cytoskeleton > Cilia and Flagella ]
In Journey into the Cell, we looked at the structure of the two major types of cells: prokaryotic (pro-) and eukaryotic (eu-) cells. Now we turn our attention to peroxisomes.
What are Peroxisomes?
Peroxisomes are microbodies. They are bound by a single membrane and contain enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide as a by-product.
Peroxisomes denoted with a P, Image courtesy of Rick Rachubinski.
What are some distinguishing characteristics?
Peroxisomes contain enzymes that work by transferring hydrogen from a substrate to oxygen thereby producing hydrogen peroxide as a by-product. Examples include: detoxifying alcohol and using oxygen to break down fats.
Hydrogen peroxide is toxic to the cell but peroxisomes also contain an enzyme that is capable of converting hydrogen peroxide to water. Similar to lysosomes, peroxisomes are excellent examples of compartmentalized structure relating to cellular function.
Peroxisomes reproduce by a process called binary fission and are also thought to have descended from bacteria.
Share your opinions
What do you think about peroxisomes? What are the advantages to having peroxisomes? Are there any disadvantages? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions and feelings. Until next time...
[ Journey into the Cell > The Nucleus > Ribosomes > Mitochondria > Endoplasmic Reticulum > Golgi Complex > Lysosomes > Peroxisomes > Cytoskeleton > Cilia and Flagella ]
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