Peroxisomes, originally called microbodies, are small organelles bounded by a single membrane and usually contain a fine granular matrix. In plants, they play a significant role in photorespiration. Those peroxisomes that participate in the metabolic cycle involving the formation of glyoxylate have been termed glyoxysomes. All of the peroxisomes thus far studied contain enzymes for oxidizing materials, in contrast to the hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes of the lysosomes. Generally, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced during these oxidations, but the enzyme catalase quickly decomposes the H2O2 to prevent a harmful buildup of peroxides. The precise steps by which peroxisomes are assembled are not completely clear, but they appear to be closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.
Compare lysosomes and peroxisomes.
Peroxisomes, originally called microbodies, are small organelles bounded by a single membrane and usually contain a fine granular matrix. In plants, they play a significant role in photorespiration. Those peroxisomes that participate in the metabolic cycle involving the formation of glyoxylate have been termed glyoxysomes. All of the peroxisomes thus far studied contain enzymes for oxidizing materials, in contrast to the hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes of the lysosomes. Generally, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced during these oxidations, but the enzyme catalase quickly decomposes the H2O2 to prevent a harmful buildup of peroxides. The precise steps by which peroxisomes are assembled are not completely clear, but they appear to be closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum.