peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles found in cells of most eukaryotes, including animals, plants, and fungi. They are involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids, and play a crucial role in maintaining the cell's fragile internal balance. Peroxisomes are typically small, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers in diameter, and contain a high concentration of enzymes that catalyze specific biochemical reactions.

The peroxisomal membrane is selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through while others are blocked. This membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that regulate the movement of molecules in and out of the organelle. The interior of the peroxisome is a gel-like substance called the matrix, which contains a high concentration of enzymes and other proteins.

One of the primary functions of peroxisomes is to break down toxic substances into less harmful compounds. For example, they contain the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase, which breaks down amino acids that have been modified with a D-amino acid group. Peroxisomes also play a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, converting them into acetyl-CoA, which can then be used to generate energy for the cell.

Peroxisomal dysfunction has been implicated in a number of human diseases, including Zellweger syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that results in severe developmental delay and other complications. Mutations in genes involved in peroxisome function have also been linked to other disorders, such as adrenoleukodystrophy and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Research into the functions and mechanisms of peroxisomes continues to shed light on their importance in cellular health and disease.