Peroxisome

A peroxisome is a eukaryotic cellular organelle.

Structure of the peroxisome

A peroxisome is a small spherical structure delineated by a lipid membrane. There are hundreds of these in the cytoplasm of the great majority of eukaryotic cells. There are even more in hepatic and renal cells.

Role of the peroxisome

The purpose of the peroxisome is to detoxify the cell by degrading specific molecules (fatty acids, alcohol, etc.) by β-oxidation. This reaction produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a molecule which is toxic to the cell and must in turn be degraded.