Sample Essay On Structure And Functions Of Eukaryotic Cellular Organelles: Peroxisome

Peroxisome is one of the membrane organelles of the eukaryotic cell. It is a small (about 0.2 – 1.5 micron) elliptic body bounded by a membrane. The core of the peroxisome is often made of the crystal-like structures. They located in the center of the organelle and are covered by granular matrix. Peroxisomes exist both in plant and animal cells; their amount varies between 70-100 organelles per cell. In humans and mammals the highest concentration of peroxisomes is found in liver and kidneys.
Detoxification is one of the main functions of this organelle. It contains the enzyme called catalase that destroys hydrogen dioxide; the substance is a poison for cells. Catalase use it to trigger oxidizing reactions. Liver peroxisomes use it to clear the body from alcohol and some other poisonous substances. They transfer hydrogen from these toxins to oxygen molecules. These organelles also initiate a production of phospholipids, a common material for membranes’ formation. Peroxisomes contain enzymes involved in the synthesis of bile acids. They take part in the oxidation of fatty acids. Many of these processes include the large consumption of oxygen. Peroxisomes started to use this element millions years ago, when cells did not have mitochondria. They were in charge of decreasing levels of oxygen that was harmful for many ancient forms of life. The development of mitochondria put organelles on the back burner, but they still continue to protect cells from poisonous substances, like hydrogen dioxide.
Peroxisomes are self-replicating micro bodies. They do not have own internal DNA molecules, so the process depends up proteins that are imported from the cytosol it is surrounded with. Peroxisomes detect their signals with the aid of proteins on their membranes.