EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Peroxisomes, also termed microbodies, are small, spherical organelles with a diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 m (Fig. 1.14), which, in contrast to plastids and mitochondria, are enclosed by only a single membrane. The peroxisomal matrix represents a specialized compartment for reactions in which toxic intermediates are formed.

Detailed explanation-2: -A peroxisome, like other particles in the cell, is classified as a microbody. It is generally spherical and is bounded by a single membrane with a diameter of 0.1–1 µm (Fig. 2.21). About 50 enzymes are contained in a peroxisome, including catalase, urate oxidase, and d-amino acid oxidase.

Detailed explanation-3: -Microbodies are present in the cytoplasm of a cell so they are known as cytosomes. They are very small in size  0.2-1.5 m and can be seen under the electron microscope.

Detailed explanation-4: -Peroxisomes contain enzymes that oxidize certain molecules normally found in the cell, notably fatty acids and amino acids. Those oxidation reactions produce hydrogen peroxide, which is the basis of the name peroxisome.

Detailed explanation-5: -Peroxisomes are organelles that sequester diverse oxidative reactions and play important roles in metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and signaling. Oxidative pathways housed in peroxisomes include fatty acid -oxidation, which contributes to embryogenesis, seedling growth, and stomatal opening.