Peroxisome

Peroxisomes are organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They perform important functions related to the metabolism of oxygen and other oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Peroxisomes are also involved in regulating the level of peroxides in the cell and removing them.

Peroxisomes were first described in 1964 by researchers at the University of Lyon in France. They found that rat liver cells contained small granules filled with yellow and orange granules. These granules were called peroxisomes because they contain hydrogen peroxide and other oxidizing agents.

The functions of peroxisomes include the oxidation of organic compounds such as fatty acids and amino acids, as well as the removal of peroxides formed as a result of oxidative metabolism. In addition, peroxisomes are involved in the synthesis and metabolism of cholesterol, vitamin D and other important molecules.

Although peroxisomes are present in all eukaryotic cells, their number and size can vary depending on the cell type and its function. In the liver, for example, there are more peroxisomes than in red blood cells, where they are absent.

In some cases, such as cancer, peroxisomes may be associated with tumor development and metastasis. However, in general, peroxisomes play an important role in maintaining normal cell function.

The study of peroxisomes is a relevant area of ​​research, since they can help in the development of new treatments for various diseases associated with impaired peroxide metabolism.

Peroxisomes (microbodies) are membrane organelles present in the cells of many eukaryotic organisms. Peroxisomes play an important role in respiration (respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid peroxidation, etc.), glycolysis, inactivation of xenobiotics, metabolism of hormones and steroids, and cholesterol biosynthesis. Biosynthesis of cholesterol. The peroxisome membrane contains enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of sterols: squalene synthase, lanosterol synthase, etc. Sterols enter the peroxisome membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum. The degradation of sterols from the membrane is carried out with the participation of sphingomyelin. In peripheral tissues (kidneys, liver, adrenal glands), the main function of peroxisomes is the export of drugs and metabolic products. Due to reverse transport, a concentration gradient of these substances is created, which ensures the activity of enzymes that hydrolyze drugs and metabolic products. The dominant role of peroxisomes in the elimination of drugs is determined not only by the active transport of drugs into the peroxisome, but also by the ability of peroxisomes to induce active elimination systems (membrane transport). The presence in peroxisomes of a number of enzymes involved in