What are the functions of peroxisomes in the cell?
Posted October 2, 2023
Answer
Peroxisomes are membrane–bound vesicles that play an important role in various metabolic pathways.
- The main function of peroxisomes is oxidation of fatty acids, which are the foremost source of metabolic energy.
- Peroxisomes also participate in lipid metabolism, catabolism of polyamines, D-amino acids, and bile acids in addition to various oxidative processes.
- Enzymes present in peroxisomes catalyze both the production and degradation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a reactive oxygen species. H2O2 is broken down and converted to water or used to oxidize other organic compounds.
- In mammals, peroxisomes play a key role in biosynthesis of phospholipids that maintain normal function in the brain and lungs.
- In plants, peroxisomes prevent loss of energy during photosynthesis. They also generate carbohydrates from stored fatty acids, ensuring that germinating plants get the energy and raw materials necessary for growth.
Additional resources
Peroxisome Function, Biogenesis, and Dynamics in Plants
Cell Meter™ Intracellular Colorimetric Lipid Peroxidation (MDA) Assay Kit