Microbody

Microbody - see Peroxisome

Microbodies (also known as peroxisomes) are small membrane-bound organelles in the cell involved in the oxidation of free radicals, control of cholesterol levels and metabolism of organic compounds such as hormones, vitamins and others. Microbodies are spherical compartments with a diameter of about 0.5 µm (one billionth of a meter (m), that is, 50 µm). They contain many enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins that are responsible for their metabolism. These organelles also have membranes with several types of fatty patches, including three types of triglycerides and tocopherol-containing lipids. The biochemical activity of microbodies is due to the presence of many peroxises, sulfhydryl groups, as well as low molecular weight acids. They differ from mitochondria in the width of their membrane channels, lipid composition, and specific type of proteins. Microbodies

Microbodies are the structures of organs of different types of living organisms that are intended for metabolic processes. For example, cells, tissues, and organs of the human body contain many microbodies that serve for the exchange of substances between cells. They are also needed to transport gases and nutrients, as well as remove unnecessary waste. In addition, microbodies are responsible for regulating insulin and drug sensitivity in diabetes. They may be too inert and unable to exchange, or too active, causing their components to become inaccessible to other cells of a living organism. The normal spectrum of microbodies for each organ may vary depending on age, lifestyle, disease and