Peroxisome


 * INTRODUCTION**:

Peroxisomes are microscopic sacs (organelles) in cells that contain enzymes used in metabolic processes and specifically to detoxify harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide The Peroxisomes are found in virtually each Eukaryotic cell. The main job of Peroxisome is to breakdown a very long chain of fatty acids through Beta-Oxidation


 * STRUCTURE**:

They are made by one membrane that has digestive enzymes that break down materials in the cell. Then they insert the proteins into the peroxisome bubble. Peroxisomes continue to grow until they split in two.


 * MAIN FUNCTION**:

Peroxisome's main function is to break down hydrogen peroxide in cells. They do this catalase, an enzyme that breaks hydrogen peroxide down into water. It breaks down fatty acid molecules in the process called beta- oxidation. The fattys acids are broken down into two carbons at a time.


 * DISCOVERY**:

The discovery of peroxisome was by Christian De Duve it happened also when he discovered lysosomes. This discovery was in 1954 while he was looking for micro bodies and coming upon this.


 * References**:

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000xi5YBZdRcXs/s/860/860/Fphoto-62240702J-6WRc.jpg http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_discovered_peroxisome

By: Lucas Tift And Cameron Barney