Principles of Biochemistry Volume 1 - A. Lehninger 1985

Biomolecules
Cells
Peroxisomes – vesicles that decompose hydrogen peroxide

Another type of membrane-bounded cytoplasmic Organelles is represented by Peroxisomes (Fig. 2-14). These structures, also known as Microbodies, are somewhat larger than Lysosomes, possess a single outer membrane, and contain a large amount of protein, often in a crystalline form. Enclosed within these structures are Enzymes that generate and utilize hydrogen peroxide, which accounts for their name—peroxisomes. Extremely toxic to Cells, hydrogen peroxide (Н2О2) is broken down in peroxisomes into Water and oxygen through the action of another enzyme they contain, catalase. Because the hydrogen peroxide-producing enzymes and catalase are localized within peroxisomes, the rest of The Cell's contents are protected from the destructive effects of peroxides.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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