Peroxisomes got their name because hydrogen peroxide is used in their detoxification reactions, produced during their oxidation reactions, incorporated into their membranes, and acts as a cofactor for the organelles’ enzymes.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They play a key role in lipid metabolism and the detoxification of harmful substances. The name “peroxisome” originates from the organelle’s involvement with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a byproduct of its metabolic activities.
In peroxisomes, hydrogen peroxide is generated during oxidation reactions, which are essential for various biochemical processes. These reactions typically involve the breakdown of fatty acids through beta-oxidation, which produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. Although hydrogen peroxide is a reactive and potentially harmful molecule, peroxisomes have mechanisms to neutralize it. Catalase, an enzyme found in high concentrations in peroxisomes, breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thus preventing damage to the cell.
Peroxisomes also incorporate hydrogen peroxide into their membrane structure, where it is essential for maintaining the organelle’s integrity and facilitating its functions. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide acts as a cofactor for some enzymes within peroxisomes. These enzymes rely on hydrogen peroxide to catalyze oxidation reactions, such as the conversion of fatty acids or the breakdown of purines.
In addition to their role in oxidation and detoxification, peroxisomes are involved in other cellular processes, such as the synthesis of plasmalogens (important components of cell membranes) and the detoxification of various toxic substances, including alcohol and formaldehyde. These functions make peroxisomes crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting the cell from oxidative stress.
Overall, the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the peroxisome’s activities is central to its role in cellular metabolism, which is why the organelle was named after this reactive molecule.
