Peroxisomes
The name peroxisome (Peroxi = Peroxide and Soma = body) has been given because this organelle is specifically involved in the formation and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the cell.
Discovery
These were isolated by De-Duve and his coworkers in 1965 from liver cells and other tissues, which were enriched with some oxidative enzymes, such as peroxidase, catalase, glycolic acid oxidase and some other enzymes.
Characteristics
- These are single membrane enclosed cytoplasmic organelle found both in animal and plant cells.
- They are characterized by containing H2O2producing oxidases and catalases.
- They are approximately 0.5 ΞΌm in diameter.
- They have also been found in protozoa, yeast and many cell types of higher plants.
Function
These are involved in the formation and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the cell, which is used in various metabolic reactions.
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