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PEROXISOME (microbodies)
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Function: Peroxisomes are membrane-bound vesicles that contain a dense, crystalline core of oxidative enzymes. They are formed from preexisting organelles. These enzymes are used for oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids and used to synthesize plasmalogens (type of phospholipid in brain tissue). The enzymes urate oxidase, glycolate oxidase, and amino acid oxidases use molecular oxygen to oxidize their respective substrates, creating hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. Because it is highly toxic to the cell, peroxisomes also contain catalases that break down the hydrogen peroxide. *interesting fact: Peroxisomes contain the enzyme luciferase which generates the light in fireflies. |
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