Question

Describe the structure and function of peroxisomes.

Answer 1

Peroxisomes are microbodies which contain enzymes for peroxide biosynthesis. It is found in both plant and animal cells, generally in close association with the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. It contains special docking proteins called peroxins for obtaining materials from the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum. Their size and shape are variable. Commonly they have a diameter of 0.5-1.0 $\mu m$. They are covered over by a single membrane. The interior contains a matrix which may be granular or has fibrils arranged variously. In some cases, the matrix has a central dense, crystalline or fibrous core which is called nucleoid.

In animal cells, peroxisomes metabolize the number of toxic substances like nitrite, phenols, formaldehyde, formic acid, methanol, ethanol, etc. 25% of alcohol consumed by a person is detoxified inside liver cells.

Plant peroxisomes found in photosynthetic cells, perform photorespiration.