Peroxisomes

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Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes (pronounced: puh-rok-suh-sohmz) are small, membrane-bound organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. They are involved in a variety of metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances.

Etymology

The term "peroxisome" was coined in the 1960s and is derived from the Greek words "peroxi", meaning "around" or "about", and "soma", meaning "body". This name was chosen because peroxisomes are often found near other organelles in the cell.

Function

Peroxisomes are primarily involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances. They contain enzymes that convert these substances into water and oxygen, which are then used by the cell for energy production. In addition, peroxisomes are involved in the synthesis of certain types of lipids, including plasmalogens, which are important components of cell membranes.

Related Terms

  • Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms.
  • Organelle: A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.
  • Fatty acid: A carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated.
  • Lipid: A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
  • Plasmalogen: A type of glycerophospholipid found in the cell membranes of animals and plants.

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