Peroxisome

A membrane-bound cell organelle that oxidizes fatty acids and detoxifies harmful compounds using enzymes such as catalase. Unlike mitochondria, it does not generate ATP directly through oxidative phosphorylation.

Catalase: An enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. It removes hydrogen peroxide produced by peroxisomal oxidation.
Organelle: A specialized structure within a cell that performs particular functions. Peroxisomes are one class of membrane-bound organelle.
Zellweger spectrum disorder: A group of inherited disorders caused by impaired peroxisome biogenesis, with effects across multiple organs. Defective peroxisome assembly disrupts the metabolic functions described here.
Mitochondrion: A membrane-bound organelle that generates most cellular ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Both organelles oxidize fatty acids, but mitochondria couple oxidation to ATP production.
Beta-oxidation: A metabolic pathway that shortens fatty acids by two-carbon units, producing acetyl-CoA and reduced cofactors. Peroxisomes shorten very-long-chain fatty acids through this pathway.
Enzyme: A biological catalyst, usually a protein, that accelerates a chemical reaction. Peroxisomal functions depend on enzymes that catalyze oxidation and detoxification.
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: An inherited disorder in which very-long-chain fatty acids accumulate, especially affecting the nervous system and adrenal glands. Impaired fatty-acid handling links this disease to peroxisomal metabolism.
Lysosome: A membrane-bound organelle containing enzymes that digest cellular material in an acidic compartment. Lysosomes digest macromolecules, whereas peroxisomes specialize in oxidation and detoxification.
Hydrogen peroxide: A reactive oxygen compound produced in metabolism and used in cellular signaling and defense. Peroxisomal oxidases generate it, and catalase breaks it down.
Peroxisomal targeting signal: A short sequence or structural feature that directs a protein to a peroxisome. Targeting signals guide many matrix enzymes into the organelle.

Linked from 11 pages